Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

I recently moved into Knebworth village this summer and I find it very worrying about the sheer number (663 dwellings) of new houses proposed.

We moved to Knebworth from a town setting and the things that attracted me to the village and to living here in the first place such as living in the countryside and in a community setting seem to be under threat from these proposed dwellings as it looks like much of the countryside is under threat for development. This will have a huge impact on wildlife/conservation and also our identity as a village.

I commute to London on a regular basis for my work and very rarely get a seat from Knebworth or London Kings Cross as the village is already pushed enough for resources with the number of existing residents commuting from the village. My partner also drives to work and the traffic around the village can be dreadful during peak times. We are already struggling in the village as many people obviously commute for work (as jobs are scarce in the village) and I don't believe the current infrastructure will be able to support any more dwellings. I also cannot see how the infrastructure can be expanded to support the number of dwellings proposed!

I understand that more homes need to be made available for our increasing population. However, rather than targeting countryside villages which cannot dream to support these kinds of numbers, would it not be better to target areas such as Stevenage West which would be much better able to cope and be able to put the necessary infrastructure/ resources in place?

I hope you take these points under consideration and that you will fully consider all other available options in relation to this plan as I truly believe that Knebworth village will not be able to support the current dwellings proposed.