Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

I wish to object in the strongest possible terms to the proposed expansion plans for Codicote & the surrounding area for the following reasons:
1 EROSION OF GREEN BELT.
The green belt land bordered by Hitchin to the North, Welwyn/Hatfield to the South, Luton to the West & Stevenage to the South represents the last remaining "green lung" in the area. Constant expansion of all the villages within it, not to mention the aforementioned towns will eventually result in one massive conurbation and the rural facility will be lost forever to the detriment of the environment and everyone who lives there.

2 TRAFFIC
The B656 Welwyn-Hitchin road - a "B" road - is very busy at the best of times, but a nightmare at peak times with long queues in both directions. Consequently all the narrow side lanes such as Bury Lane, Drivers End Lane, Hitchin Lane, Old Knebworth Lane etc. are becoming "rat runs". This is already dangerous as there are numerous places where it is impossible for two cars to pass & there are increasing numbers of heavy commercial vehicles using these lanes to avoid the congestion on the main roads.
There is also heavy congestion where this road leads to the A1M to the South & going into Hitchin to the North

3 SCHOOLS
The existing schools cannot cope at present & with no adjacent land to facilitate expansion, new ones would have to be built to accommodate the ever increasing population.

4 HOPITALS & SURGERIES
Since the cancellation of a new hospital to serve Hatfield & the closure of the QE2 in Welwyn, despite recent expansion the Lister Hospital in Stevenage is already struggling to cope with the increased demand. Even the new maternity wing is under severe pressure with women already in labour being sent away until the last possible moment. As for getting a doctor's appointment on demand, forget it!

SOLUTION?
In my opinion, the only viable solution to all these problems would be the creation of a new Garden City custom built to accommodate the demands of an ever-increasing population. Expensive of course, but better than trying to make a silk purse out of the proverbial pig's ear. This could possibly be sited to the North of Baldock where there is more open land.