A major new Health Impact Assessment into Hitchin Industrial Estate has concluded that traffic, noise, pollution and fears linked to heavy goods vehicles are having a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of some nearby residents.

The independent report, commissioned by Hertfordshire County Council and North Herts Council following a series of fires at recycling facilities in 2024, examined how the industrial estate affects people living in the surrounding Bearton and Grove Road areas.

The assessment found "moderate adverse" impacts linked to transport and "minor adverse" impacts relating to physical activity, social cohesion and environmental conditions. Residents reported concerns over air pollution, noise, congestion and debris falling from lorries travelling through residential streets.

Researchers said fear and intimidation caused by HGV movements and traffic conditions had discouraged some residents from walking, cycling and spending time outdoors. The report also highlighted concerns about fires, fumes and mental stress associated with industrial activity.

An online consultation received 258 responses, with 76 per cent of respondents saying the estate negatively affected their quality of life. Common complaints included lorry noise, idling vehicles, road safety fears and dust or debris from waste transfer operations.

The report noted that overall health levels in Hitchin Bearton are generally better than regional and national averages, although asthma rates are higher locally.

A number of schools, nurseries, parks and community facilities were identified as "sensitive receptors" potentially affected by industrial estate activity, including Hitchin Girls' School, Hitchin Boys' School, Walsworth Common, Purwell Meadows and the Hitchin Swimming Centre.

Among the report's recommendations are improved air quality monitoring, tighter controls on HGV movements and parking, better debris management, stronger community engagement and measures to reduce disruption in residential streets. Some residents responding to the consultation also called for relocation or closure of recycling operations on the estate.

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The Health Impact Assessment was carried out by consultants Tetra Tech using public health guidance from the Wales Health Impact Assessment Support Unit and the Institute of Public Health