Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

I am not in favour of building houses between North Stevenage and Graveley (Area NS1) for the following reasons: -

1. The proposed access roads will add greatly to congestion around North Road/Lister Hospital, especially at peak times. The introduction of "smart motorway" working on A1(M) is not within the control of NHDCC or the developers. To propose this as a solution is therefore uncertain and there will be huge a increase in traffic cutting through Stevenage to Junction 7. North Road has parking on both sides dangerously narrowing the road and preventing safe cycling and causing additional delay, particularly around Alleynes School. When I take the 55 bus from North Road to Stevenage centre it sometimes fails to stop due to heavy traffic and often is delayed at peak times making it unreliable.

2. The current plan joins Graveley to Stevenage which will completely alter the village nature of Graveley.

3. The destruction of green belt or arable land is not acceptable. The land is needed for sustainable food production and to act as green lungs for the production of oxygen, which we all need to survive.

4. The infrastructure is not available to serve 1,700 new homes. Road access is insufficient from North Road and Graveley High Street. The additional sewage and drainage required will overload the existing network - we already suffer backups of sewage which frequently overflows into our garden. High voltage electricity pylons pass through the area causing interference and other problems.
5. The need for additional housing in this area is not proven. Many new dwellings are being developed within Stevenage town centre and other brownfield sites are available within Stevenage and the surrounding towns. People moving from London are creating a demand but why should we put up with problems that London should solve? More commuters will further crowd overloaded roads and railways into London.

6. The destruction of part the area known as Forster country is unacceptable. This is an amenity which I currently enjoy, walking for exercise and to relaxation. I also use the paths to access my local church (St Nicholas). The creation of the St Nicholas country park area does not fully address this issue.

7. The construction of housing will lead to transport congestion (road and rail), loss of amenity, overcrowding, loss of green belt and arable land.

I hope that you will take my views into consideration.