Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

The above proposal to increase the size of Knebworth is I believe, ill-conceived and unsustainable and I oppose it. The Knebworth sites are both less sustainable for development than a combination of one or more of the 231 sites that were put forward in the 'call' for sites as outlined in the 'Site Selection Matrix' of the current consultation '(Background Papers, Preferred Options-Consultation. November 2014)'.

My principle objections are in two areas.

Inadequate Infrastructure - Over a relatively small number of years Knebworth has increasingly suffered from traffic congestion. The B197 running through the centre of the village is increasingly used at peak times by traffic as a way of avoiding the congested A1M. Gypsy Lane, Gun Road, Station Road and Deards End Lane are used as rat runs by traffic between Stevenage/Codicote and Welwyn/Stevenage. These roads are all narrow with limited footpath facilities and are already dangerous to pedestrians-as I can personally testify!!They are made even more dangerous by narrow railway bridges on their route which make two way traffic very difficult. This situation will only get worse if some 400 extra houses (and therefore circa 5-600 extra cars) are
added to the mix and I believe accidents and serious injury are inevitable. Knebworth also has a railway station on the main London line and parking for this facility is already inadequate and out of hand. With no new facilities planned, it will get worse. Adequate junior schooling is currently not an issue for Knebworth but health care and GP surgery provision is, a situation which will get worse if the plans go ahead.

Topography of the proposed sites - The proposed sites at Gypsy Lane and Deards End Lane are deeply undulating fields with high water tables and a history of flooding. Vast amounts of earth moving and concrete infill will only exacerbate this flooding problem and its attendant issues for house owners in locations like 'Broom Grove' and 'The Meadway.' Because of its location-sitting in a small hollow against surrounding countryside-Knebworth already experiences high levels of pollution. Building 400 new homes -and the accompanying 5-600 additional motor cars, coupled with the planned expansion of the A1m-can only increase the problem. It would also seem in conflict with the Parliamentary Environmental Audit Committee recommendations of December 2014 regarding new development.

Given the important issues these proposals raise, both locally and nationally, it is not the time for proposals of a 'quick fix' nature designed to satisfy short term Political agendas and deadlines. I believe the Council has a unique opportunity to develop a long term strategic plan for a 'New Town' development in Hertfordshire that would meet the objectives set.
Irrespective of the Council's planned desecration of the green belt they would be acting against their own 2006 study which stated that-"Knebworth is not suitable for further development as it would risk the sustainability of the village."

Increase in already above average, pollution levels.
Increased risk of flooding from an already high risk, high water table area.
local infrastructure insufficient for increased population and road usage.
Removal of green belt

Increased pollution in an area already higher than average.
Increased risk of flooding from a high water table site with previous history of flooding.
Removal of green belt and further coalescence of villages (woolmer green/knebworth.
Local roads unable to support increased traffic.
Access roads pass under 3 dangerously narrow railway bridges (c14feet wide) with inadequate pavements.

Removal of green belt.
Local roads and general infrastructure insufficient to meet planned needs.
Main line station in village already unable to provide sufficient parking for users.
The plan is not justified