Neither justified nor effective:
- Development would be contrary to government policy on Green Belt as set out in the NPPF. NHDC have not demonstrated that "exceptional circumstances" exist for the development of the site. Housing need alone is not a sufficient justification, as confirmed by the Minister of State in August 2016 in a letter to MPs.
- This particular tract of Green Belt is significant because it prevents the encroachment of Knebworth into Stevenage to the north/east and Woolmer Green to the east/south.
- There is no firm plan for use of the site for education purposes despite comments in the plan suggesting such use, this requires addressing.
- The amount of traffic generated by about 200 new dwellings would add considerably to the levels of traffic impacts on the B197. Congestion levels in the centre of the village would be exacerbated.
- There are road infrastructure issues with Watton Road which need overcoming
- Potential existing flooding concerns