Object

Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

Representation ID: 1747

Received: 30/11/2016

Respondent: Mrs Sarah Smith

Legally compliant? No

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? No

Representation Summary:

Object to KB4:
- The overall strategy does not seem clear or well thought through.
- There are many considerations in terms of transport networks, schooling, facilities and safety let alone the strain on the environment and flooding areas for 663 new dwellings in Knebworth.

Full text:

I feel the plan in general has not been prepared well and is a disappointing representation on how the village is viewed for the future. The new housing would increase the village size by 31%. Greenbelt land will be used in between sites KB1 and KB2 which will remove the buffer between Knebworth and Woolmer Green. This will be a loss of countryside and the open setting villagers enjoy.
Currently living near the main high street I witness on a daily basis many times a day traffic congestion, danger to other road users and pedestrians and limited parking. Knebworth appears to not cope well with high levels of traffic which becomes apparent during school pick up and drop off times and if there is an issue on the surrounding areas and roads including the A1M. Adding new developments on to this village will cause even more strain on the transport system along with the schooling, GP system which is apparently locating but does not factor in the new houses in its build and is therefore failing before its even opened and the wear and tear of the surrounding roads.....the two bridges in knebworth are currently only single traffic lanes and become gridlock and built up even now in busy periods.

In terms of schools, a second primary school located on the KB2 site is to well considered. Tis would be right next to the A1M motorway and noise and air pollution high. A second primary school will spread t he village and create divide. Parents will not necessary choose the school nearest to them or indeed be offered the school nearest to them with a sibling rule and therefore will create more traffic to and from each site with an already stressed roadwork system.