Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

Contrary to national planning policy (para 14, footnote 9 of NPPF). No justification for removal of Green Belt. No evidence of any affordable housing. No constructive plan for addressing infrastructure issues: transport. Deards End Lane currently dangerous to navigate as it is. Railway Bridge narrow and has weight restrictions.

This is contrary to national planning policy (para 14/footnote 9 of NPPF). I can't begin to imagine how you would address the traffic/road access issues. Gipsy Lane/Orchard Way has been subject to flooding more than once from surface water from the A1(M). The land itself is currently used as agricultural land - a precious and rare resource. There is no way you can convince me that you can mitigate the noise from the A1(M). I live further away and it's clearly heard. Putting a primary school there would put children's health at risk from pollution.

OK, so you are planning to increase the size of the village by 1/3, but reduce the employment offered. Chas. Lowe is currently a key commercial site in the village centre. An ideal site for mixed use.

Another proposal to build on good quality agricultural land, a precious and finite resource. I can't begin to imagine how you will address the traffic issues, and what the High Street will be like.

I have submitted online representations to Sites KB1, KB2, KB3 and KB4. These are my comments on paras 13.183-13.202.
663 new dwellings are proposed in Knebworth in the period to 2031. An increase of nearly 1/3. I cannot see how these can be accommodated without putting the following under intolerable stress:
The road system
The station and rail system
The Doctors' surgery (even if it moves to the library site)

There is no cohesive plan for the creation of employment for the extra people - in fact one of the major employers, Chas. Lowe, will be redeveloped as housing. The town - as Knebworth will become - will change from being a community to a dormitory town - with a population of tired, frustrated commuters who barely see the daylight in the winter months.

Previous Local Plans have concluded that Knebworth is not suitable for development because of infrastructure problems, not only the transport network, but the sewage, and the surface flooding. What has changed?

The proposals to remove Green Belt are contrary to NPPF Para 14 footnote 9. The two village Conservation areas, around Stockens Green and Deards End Lane, will also be put at risk by the proposed developments.

It beggars belief, but my understanding is that none of the proposed developments include the affordable housing so desperately needed.