STRATEGY

There is no Strategy for the planning of 663 dwellings within Knebworth, when there is a requirement for a strategy for 500+ dwellings on a single site. Whilst the 663 dwellings are spread over four sites, these are all within a <1 km radius of the village centre and are this, in effect, one site!

It was suggested as the conclusion to a study by NHDC in 2006 that to extend the size of the village from its existing size would not be sustainable, as any increase in size would result in overload of the Village amenities. i.e. shops, transport / roads, Doctor's surgery etc. It is now proposed to increase the size by 663 homes, an increase of 31%. The village infrastructure is already creaking at the seams; with the proposed increase it will likely burst.

GREEN BELT ENCROACHMENT

This is contrary to Government policy and where within your own NHDC Green Belt Review of July 2016 at Table 2.4 states that Knebworth "Overall makes a significant contribution to Green Belt purposes, helping to prevent sprawl, merger and encroachment."

HIGHWAYS

Within the Local Plan Transport Review dated 23 Sep 16 by Odyssey Markides
there is one minor mention of Knebworth.

However, the proposed 663 extra dwelling will generate additional strain on the already heavily used B197 through the village along with other connecting roads. London Road in the centre of the village is frequently congested, notably when a Bus or Truck is travelling as there is not enough width to the road, with parked cars either side for a Bus/Truck to pass through with oncoming traffic.

The approach roads to the mini-roundabout on the B197 at the junction of
London Rd/Stevenage Rd/Station Rd/Watton Rd frequently has queues of traffic >500m at peak hours. This will only be exacerbated with additional housing.

Traffic congestion in the village centre is exacerbated by the B197 being used as a 'rat run' and Diversion route for traffic from the A1(M).

Knebworth is dissected by the London, Kings Cross to Edinburgh Railway line with the main road through the village, the B197, being to the east of the railway line. Two of the proposed four sites sites are to the west of the railway line. Thus any/all vehicles wishing to go from these two proposed sites to Stevenage or Welwyn (or further afield) need to cross over or under the railway line by one of three bridges on Gun Lane, Station Road or Deards End Lane.

All three of these bridges have narrow roadways that frequently mean vehicles have to wait at one end or the other as it is hazardous for vehicles to pass in a two-way manner.

Additionally, whilst the roads on these three bridges are narrow, the pavements for pedestrians are even narrower and, if being constructed today, I'm sure would be less than the safe permitted width. Pedestrians frequently have to step into the road to avoid one another and it is a miracle there have not been many accidents over the years.

The increased vehicle traffic from an additional 633 dwellings, of say a further 950 cars i.e. 1.5 per dwelling, will provide unwarranted congestion and danger to road user and pedestrians alike at these bridges.

EMPLOYMENT

There are no plans for increasing employment prospects within the village and even the loss of jobs with the conversion of site KB3, currently commercial, to housing. There may be a few jobs created within the village Estate Agents to service the additional housing stock.