Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

Please find below my strong objections to the proposed development on SITE KB4 in Knebworth.

GREEN BELT
I am not aware that this site has been included in any previous documentation as a preferred option for housing development. The land is a working agricultural farm, which would be a loss of produce if buildings were allowed on it. The site is also on rising land which would impact visually on the whole area. Losing the greenbelt in this area would appear to be against National Planning Policy and the Councils review. It is necessary to keep the land for future generations to enjoy the countryside and not to be part of a huge sprawl of buildings linking neighbouring towns into one large building site.

TRAFFIC

This has to be a major concern. The whole of Knebworth at times is like a car park, the B197 is at a standstill a certain times every day. It is also the main route when the A!M is closed. The access from the B197 to Swangleys Lane is a very narrow country lane, already overused as a rat run together with Old Lane and St Martins Road. The local Primary school is based at the end of Swangleys Lane and in the morning, midday and afternoon when parents/children are being dropped off etc. it is already extremely dangerous as there is no footpath. Also, like a lot of roads in Knebworth it used by people parking all day so the access for the large vehicles going to and from the farm is already a hazard. If housing development is agreed in Woolmer Green this will again add to the already congested conditions in Knebworth.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Before any major increase in housing the main services in Knebworth should be looked at before adding to the already overuse of the existing facilities. The Doctors surgery is already inadequate and the proposed new surgery etc. will still not be sufficient to provide for the existing population.
The school is already bursting at the seams and causes major parking problems. The suggested new school would appear to be another issue which will take years to resolve (ie position etc.) The station is already a major draw for people outside the village to use and park cars all day. As there are no major employers in the Knebworth, especially when Chas Lowes closes (yet more development!!) this will mean more people using the station to commute to London.