Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

To build houses on a beautiful site which in Spring resounds to the song of skylarks, a fast fading breed, would be sad to say the least. However, I realise that this in itself does not constitute a reason for opposing the application. There is,however, a far more justifiable reaction to this proposal and that is the problem that Watton Road. The former is problematic already. Due to the nature of the turning, it is impossible to see any traffic exiting onto the Stevenage Road until it is almost at the junction. Coupled with this, cars have now started to park near to the junction - probably due to commuters having to park further from the station as a result of yellow line where previous parking was possible, so, if a car is coming towards the junction from Oakfields Road and a car turns in from Stevenage Road there would be nowhere to go. At present , although it is sometimes dangerous, the small volume of traffic generated in Oakfields Road is acceptable. However, given the added volume of traffic that would ensue due to the new housing, if this were to be the chosen exit from the new site, gridlock would happen. The alternative entrance/exit onto Watton Road would have exactly the same effect. Cars are parked on one side of the road and traffic calming systems render part of this road single lane. Heavier traffic in this road would also cause grid lock. Knebworth High Street is already problematic. Traffic unable to turn into or out of Stevenage/London Road would reender both roads impassable. This building cannot possibly go ahead as it would cause chaos to all roads in the centre of Knebworth.

I should be most grateful if you could take the time to look into this matter.