Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

I would like to formally raise objection to the local plan to build 1700 houses on Forster Country between Stevenage and Graveley. My specific reasons include:

The proposed site for development is close to our property and will not only affect the value of my property but will replace outstanding countryside bordering Stevenage that I believe should be preserved. There is land within Stevenage such as the former Kodak site off of Gunnelswood Road / Bessemer Drive that could be better used for development and would improve the town. Additionally the land opposite Stevenage Borough Football club offers opportunity for development .

If you have 1700 homes to build they should be spread around the town rather than take a beautiful piece of heritage countryside. More than that I question whether you need to build 1700 homes. I understand that growth projections for Stevenage have already been satisfied by housing and with Brexit and a potential reduction in immigration surely the demand for housing will be affected and new growth estimates will need to be done.

With the A1 being 2 lane from North to South Stevenage and regular traffic issues at key periods around the A1 / Hitchin roundabout adding further traffic will only create a larger problem without major motorway development.