Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

I have been a resident of Knebworth for nine years. I commute to work in London by train and I believe Knebworth currently provides a good environment for my family, consisting of my wife (also a commuter) and two young children, but I feel the current local plan will have a significant negative impact on the quality of life for local residents.
The current proposals in the North Hertfordshire local plan for the Knebworth area include 663 new homes, this represents an increase of 31% on the current number of dwellings which I do not believe is sustainable. The proposed development will also significantly increase demands on local services and transport which are already under pressure, but it does not suggest any way in which these concerns will be addressed.
Generally, I do not believe that the North Herts local plan has considered many of the concerns of local residents and I think the local plan will have a very negative impact on the community. I have attended two (packed) meetings in the village hall and I do not believe I heard anyone speak in favour of these proposals, but many made valid arguments against it. I think this demonstrates that residents' concerns are not being listened to or addressed.
As such I object to the proposals and have outlined some of the main issues below:
- Village Infrastructure:
The plan suggests the village has an infrastructure that will sustain new development but I think this is wrong. The plan highlights proposals to build a new doctors surgery and library but these are simply replacements for existing facilities. When trying to obtain a doctors appointment last year I was told there was a 4-5 week wait, which suggests a lack of capacity.
Parking is a major problem in Knebworth with the station car park being small, and the train station attracting commuters from other local villages, this will only get worse with an extra 600 houses
Local roads. The developments to the West of Knebworth (KB1 and KB2) would lead to a large increase in traffic trying to travel from West Knebworth to the B197, the main road to Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City and the A1m. This requires traffic crossing under the railway, the roads under the railway bridges are very narrow, barely wide enough for two normal sized cars with one pedestrian path wide enough for one person. Increasing traffic here will worsen congestion and increase the chances of an accident. The only other access option for these sites is the narrow Deards End Lane which involves crossing a narrow, old, listed bridge. The sites to the East of Knebworth (KB4) would rely on the narrow roads of Swangleys Lane, past the primary school, or Watton Road, with narrow stretches that joins onto Knebworth High Street, which in itself is often congested.

- Transport
As a regular commuter, I know that trains from Knebworth at peak times are overcrowded, it normally involves standing and is sometimes difficult to get on the train at all. Large new developments in Knebworh, Codicote and Woolmer Green will make this problem much worse. Recent proposals from the local rail franchise holder (Govia) have suggested reducing fast commuter trains and off peak services.
The main road through Knebworth is often congested, particularly at 'rush hour' and when problems on the A1M means the B197 becomes the even busier. The proposed developments in Knebworth, Woolmer Green and Stevenage will make this much worse but no solution has been proposed
- Development of Greenbelt
The local greenbelt in very important in helping residents to maintain a healthy lifestyle, be it exercising, walking, or being out with children. It also helps to minimise the effects of pollution. The loss of this would have a negative impact and once it is gone it will never be replaced.
- School facilities
There is currently one school in Knebworth that is full. There are rather vague proposals in the plan for another primary school. Assuming the new primary school is built it will divide the village into two which would spoil the community feel of Knebworth. Also, there is currently no designated secondary school for Knebworth, children from the current primary school are dispersed between surrounding secondary schools and this problem will get worse, the suggestion for an all through primary/secondary school does not seem realistic and will not help pupils from the existing school.
In summary, I believe that the proposal to increase the number of dwellings Knebworth by 31% will exacerbate existing problems with local transport and services, as such, it is not sustainable. I do not think the plan has taken account of local residents views or addressed local objections.