Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

I wish to register my strong objection to the proposed development in and surrounding Knebworth. My main concerns are based on the following main points:


* Severe risk of the village joining with Stevenage and thereby losing separate identity - effective coalescence.
* Green Belt removal from around Knebworth
* contrary to Government policy, the significant contribution it
makes to protecting the space between towns in the district and
maintaining the separate identity of Knebworth as a village

* Lack of a strategy for Knebworth means the plan is not effective
— no connection between housing, cumulative development and
infrastructure needed to support the growth sustainably
* Amount of housing
— increase of 663 dwellings in Knebworth 2011-2031 (31%)
— not justifi ed when Stevenage West land is reserved (3,100 homes)
— extra impact of Woolmer Green plans (150 homes) not considered
* Green Belt removal from around Knebworth
— contrary to Government policy, the signifi cant contribution it
makes to protecting the space between towns in the district and
maintaining the separate identity of Knebworth as a village
* Highways and transport impacts
— impact on B197, congestion on local roads and bridges.- Bridge at Deards end lane crossing railway narrow and hazardous, Station approach narrow and unsafe for pedestrians, and gun road same issues
*Severe overcrowding on the commuter train network already - system running at capacity in peak times.
* No consideration of local economy
— no proposals for jobs creation, no commercial allocation
— impact of reallocation for housing in village centre
* Drainage issues
— major capacity issue at Rye Meads Sewage Treatment Works
* Impact on countryside and landscape
— loss of countryside and open landscape setting
* Conservation and heritage issues
— impact on the two village Conservation Areas. Both of which have been well protected in the past.