Knebworth Neighbourhood Plan 2019 - 2031

Built Environment

1

Obtain (free) off-street parking for shoppers in St. Martin's Road car park.

Ongoing

PC to liaise with NHDC. Consider for Section 106 of CIL funding.

Limited growth of trade for retail businesses

Increased use of village shops and other services

2

Install electric vehicle charging points at PC 'owned' sites, e.g. Village Hall car park, Watton Road Recreation Ground.

Ongoing

PC through funding from developers, electric car manufacturers etc.

Slower change from fossil fuel vehicles

Make the use of electric vehicles by local residents more viable and attractive

3

Set up a Place-making Action Group

In place when

first major housing development application submitted

Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group establish a group to comment on development proposals

Unimaginative, standard estate layouts.

Influence urban design to strengthen connection between people and places they share. Public spaces within developments are the heart of the community.

Wellbeing

4

Actively seek to obtain a new indoor and outdoor sports hub, to include an all-weather pitch, new pavilion, changing rooms and social facilities

Ongoing

PC through appropriate funding bodies.

Knebworth Football Club liaison with KPC to develop new or improve existing sports facilities. Some funding available.

Consider for Section 106/CIL funding.

Unlikely to attract more residents to participate in healthy sports activities. Continued travel by car to alternative sports facilities for practice and playing sessions.

Have modern and attractive sports facilities that allow local sports clubs to develop and is available to the general community

6

Lobby for additional G P's and health professionals based in the village

Ongoing

Request Knebworth and Marymead Medical Practice Patient Participation Group to raise with relevant Health Authorities

Longer waiting times to see a health professional with a likely increase in visits to Hospital A and E departments

Have sufficient medical staff to provide an acceptable service that meets current needs of the area and future needs of a 30% increase in population

7

Improve the Scout and Guide hut in Gun Lane

Asap

Volunteers with PC guidance. Consider for Section 106 or CIL funding

Further deterioration of buildings, becoming unsuitable for use

Improved facilities to cater for expected increase in young people from development

Environment and Flooding

8

Create community woodland areas

Asap

Establish Volunteer Trust. Consider for Section 106 or CIL funding

Steady loss of accessible woodland

Improve the local environment and wildlife habitat

Traffic, Transport and Parking

9

Obtain disabled access to station platforms

Ongoing

PC and user groups to lobby rail service providers

Continued inaccessibility of platforms for those with reduced mobility, and parents/ carers with children in prams/pushchairs

Easy access to trains for all residents.

Updated disabled parking tariff - free in all locations provided blue badge is displayed.

10

Implement a solution to the 'High Street' traffic and parking problems

Ongoing.

PC to liaise with HCC and NHDC. Set up volunteer working group to find innovative solutions and advise PC. Consider for Section 106 or CIL funding

Continued conflict between through traffic, parked vehicles and pedestrians with its negative effect.

A safer and less congested High Street that is attractive to shoppers

11

Obtain segregated cycle route between Knebworth and Stevenage cycleway network

Asap.

PC to liaise with HCC. May be provided as part of draft HCC North Central Growth and Transport Plan.

Cyclists deterred from using un-segregated cycle path on unrestricted hill section of B197

Provide safer cycling and encourage more cycle trips

12

Obtain land for off-street parking for rail commuters

Before major housing developments in Knebworth

neighbouring villages

PC to liaise with landowners and major developers. Consider for Section 106 or CIL funding.

Increased conflict between residents and rail commuters for on-street parking space

Reduce adverse effect of increased rail commuter parking expected with development of Knebworth etc.

13

Obtain an extension of rail station foot access tunnel to Kerr Close

Before major housing developments west of Knebworth

PC to lobby rail companies

Continued safety issues for pedestrians walking under railway bridge

Motor traffic free pedestrian link between western and eastern parts of the village.

14

Obtain extra capacity on rail services stopping at Knebworth

Ongoing

Request Knebworth Rail User's Forum public group to lobby rail service operators

Overcrowded carriages over longer peak periods

Improved capacity on rail services to cater for the expected increase in demand

15

Obtain additional eastbound services (through Codicote, and Old Knebworth passing Knebworth Station) in am rail commuting peak and in reverse during pm peak

Before major housing developments in Codicote and west of Knebworth

KPC to liaise with Herts CC, NHDC and the bus service provider.

Consider for Section 106 or CIL funding.

More rail commuter parking demand in roads around Knebworth Station

Encourage rail commuters to use the bus in preference to private car to access Knebworth Station

16

Widen footway under Station Rd rail bridge with appropriate traffic management scheme

Prior to occupation of KB1 or KB2

KPC to liaise with HCC (Highways). Consider for Section 106 or CIL funding.

Worsening of conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.

Improved safety for road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists

17

Widen footway under Gun Lane rail bridge with appropriate traffic management scheme.

Prior to occupation of KB1 and KB2

KPC to liaise with HCC (Highways). Consider for Section 106 or CIL funding.

Worsening of conditions for pedestrians and cyclists

Improved safety for road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists

18

Improve pedestrian and cycle facilities Stevenage Rd/ Watton Rd/ Station Rd/ London Rd junction

Prior to occupation of KB1, KB2 or KB4

KPC to liaise with HCC (Highways). Consider for Section 106 or CIL funding.

Worsening of conditions for pedestrians and cyclists

Improved safety for road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists

19

Improve layout of London Rd/ Swangley's Lane junction and access to Primary School

Prior to occupation of KB1, KB2 or KB4

KPC to liaise with HCC (Highways). Consider for Section 106 funding.

Worsening of conditions for pedestrians and cyclists

Improved safety for road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists

20

Use part of the parking area off Kerr Close for rail commuter parking

Useful if rail station foot access tunnel extended

PC to liaise with Knebworth Village Trust regarding lease

Continued level of on-street rail commuter parking

More off-street long-term parking for the expected increase in rail commuters