Residents can have their say on proposals for up to 230 homes, a specialist school and a care home in Ickleford.

Bugler Homes and Omnia Foundation have submitted plans for Icknield Fields, on land south of Pound Farm, west of Bedford Road.

Half the homes would be affordable. The scheme also includes a 65-bed care home and a 30-place school for boys aged 12–17 with autism and social, emotional and mental health needs.

School places would be commissioned through the Education, Health and Care Plan process, with families paying no fees.

The developers say more than half the site would be open space. Proposals include a community-accessible all-weather sports pitch, walking and cycling links, and new Bedford Road crossings.

The housing total has been reduced from 250 following consultation.

The application seeks detailed permission for the school, sports pitch and first 100 homes, with outline permission sought for the remaining development.

The proposals have attracted 182 public comments on North Herts Council's planning portal, with 169 recorded as objections and 10 supporting the application.

Objectors have raised concerns about congestion, the loss of agricultural land and the impact on Ickleford's character.

Resident James Christie described Bedford Road as "already a bottleneck at critical times", warning that the development would worsen congestion and road safety.

Patricia Derwent raised concerns about urban sprawl and the loss of countryside walks, while Stephen Deller questioned the impact on wildlife and pressure on schools and doctors.

Supporters have highlighted the proposed school and the need for additional sports facilities.

Hitchin resident Holly Mitchell described a "desperate shortage of 3G pitch space in Hitchin", saying her children train on crowded pitches and adults struggle to secure suitable evening slots.

Youth football coach and parent Phil Ballard said additional recreational space would support grassroots football and benefit children's confidence, friendships and wellbeing.

The developers say their proposals include new Bedford Road crossings, improved walking and cycling connections, and community access to the sports pitch.

Residents can view documents and submit comments through North Herts Council's planning portal, searching reference 26/00558/HYA.

Further information is available on the Icknield Fields website.