The Parish Council objects to the development of this site, principally because it is designated as Green Belt. The Green Belt performs an important function in this location because it prevents the encroachment of Knebworth Village into the open countryside to the west. It also provides an effective noise buffer between the A1(M) and the village.

To the east of the site is the Stockens Green Conservation Area, the character of which would be severely affected by the amount of housing and the amount of traffic which would be generated.

The Local Plan acknowledges that the volume of traffic would have an adverse impact on the Gun Lane railway bridge, which is narrow and unsuitable for increases in traffic. This is a major concern, as it would provide the main entrance to the development area from the east. Any improvements would affect rail traffic, and thus could affect the deliverability of development.

The proposals would also have a major impact on Gypsy Lane and adjoining residential roads. As with KB1, it should be noted that concerns about the speed and volume of traffic using this road are among the complaints most often raised by local residents.

The development would be bounded to the west by the A1(M) which generates high levels of traffic noise. Noise mitigation measures are proposed in the Local Plan, but these likely to reduce the size of the developable area.

Currently the site contains a balancing pond which takes surface water draining from the A1(M). It is recognised that there are surface water flood risk issues on the site, which cannot be resolved by SUDs alone.

A 1FE primary school is proposed for the site. It is questionable whether a school should be proposed in an area so close to a busy motorway. The ultimate viability of this proposal, however, depends on whether other sites (KB1 and KB4) are allocated in the Local Plan. The target of 184 dwellings is well below the County Council threshold for the provision of primary schools, which is approximately 500 dwellings.