Housebuilders are "continually profiting from what is left" of Hertfordshire's beauty, a villager has claimed.

The comment, left by a member of the public on the council's planning website, was made in response to fresh proposals for 14 new homes in Ashwell.

Manor Oak Homes has applied for permission to build the new houses on a field sandwiched between Ashwell Street and Lucas Lane in the North Herts village.

The applicant previously applied for permission to build 24 homes on the same site in 2020, but the idea was rejected on several grounds, including that the scheme would "have a detrimental effect on the rural character of Ashwell Street".

The objection to 14 homes, by a Lucas Lane resident, reads: "Yet more green space applied to be built on removes the final green space between Lucas Lane and the Ruddery [Ashwell Street]."

She added: "There is no supporting infrastructure, no new sewerage, no extra school provision, no extra medical provision.

"Because a village is locally known as beautiful does not mean you have to continually profit from what is left of its beauty."

Another comment of objection reads: "Country tracks, such as the section of Icknield Way involved [Ashwell Street], should be left undeveloped for the benefit of the local residents.

"Cars should be deterred from using such tracks and this proposed development will lead to considerable increased traffic on the section down to Station Road.

"[The field] is one of the last undeveloped green spaces within the conservation area.

"It should remain as agricultural land or could be developed for recreational purposes."

The developers' plans feature two two-bed bungalows, five three-bed homes and four four-bed homes for the general market, plus five affordable units comprising either two or three bedrooms.

A planning statement reads: "The Ashwell Neighbourhood Plan seeks new development to focus on providing smaller units for younger people to enter the housing market and older people to downsize into.

"Therefore, the housing mix consists of two, three and four-bedroom units."

Another document – put forward by the developer – notes: "The development will bring forward much-needed affordable family housing and starter homes to the area supporting social and economic aspiration for the area.

"The site also delivers ecological enhancements and open communal areas and walking routes for the enjoyment of new and existing residents."