Community Engagement in Planning in Knebworth

Dear Knebworth Residents,

Knebworth Parish Council invites you to participate in shaping the future of our village regarding the proposed developments for sites KB1, KB2, and KB4. Your input is crucial in ensuring that these developments align with our community's needs and character.

THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS

The KB1 and KB2 Strategic Masterplan proposes:

• Approximately 384 new homes

• Up to 40% affordable housing

• A mix of apartments and 2-5 bedroom houses

• Land for a new primary school

• Enhanced green spaces, including a new village green

The KB4 Development proposal is for:

• Up to 200 new homes

• Includes affordable housing

• Structural planting and landscaping

• Informal public open space

• Children's play area

• Surface water flood mitigation measures

HOW TO GET INVOLVED:

1. Attend the Community Consultation Event for KB1 and KB2

Date: Monday, 13 January 2025

Time: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Knebworth Village Hall, Park Lane, Knebworth, SG3 6PD

2. Submit Online Feedback

For KB1 and KB2: Visit www.knebworth-strategicmasterplan-kb1kb2.co.uk

For KB4: Check the North Herts District Council planning portal

3. Contact the Development Teams

• For KB1 and KB2: Email info@knebworth-strategicmasterplan-kb1kb2.co.uk

• For KB4: Refer to the contact information provided in the planning application

KEY POINTS TO CONSIDER

When formulating your views, please consider the following aspects:

Housing Mix and Density:

• Is the proposed mix of housing types appropriate for Knebworth's needs across all three sites?

• Consider the balance of apartments and houses, and whether the range of options meets local demand.

• Reflect on whether the affordable housing provision is sufficient for the community.

Infrastructure:

• How will the new primary school on KB1/KB2 integrate with existing educational facilities?

• Are the proposed green spaces and amenities adequate for community needs across all sites?

• Consider the impact on local healthcare, shopping, and other essential services.

Traffic and Transport:

• What impact might nearly 600 new homes have on local roads, particularly during peak hours?

• The cumulative effect of KB1, KB2, and KB4 developments will likely exacerbate existing traffic issues.

• An estimated 17% increase in traffic on Hertfordshire's roads is predicted between 2015 and 2031.

• The B197 (which includes the high street) often acts as an alternative route for traffic avoiding congestion on the A1(M), further increasing local traffic.

Considerations for Future Planning

• Any development proposals must provide traffic assessments that consider the cumulative impact of all three sites (KB1, KB2, and KB4).

• These assessments should account for both construction phase and post-completion impacts on key routes and junctions.

• Developers should possibly contribute to a Community Infrastructure Levy or section 106 contribution to fund ameliorative measures.

• Positive traffic management measures may be needed to maintain safety for pedestrians and cyclists if congestion is reduced.

• A formal study of the high street is needed to find an optimal solution that reduces accident potential, enhances pedestrian and cyclist safety, and retains sufficient on-street parking for local businesses.

• Improvements to sustainable transport options, including better pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, could help reduce reliance on cars.

• Consider the effects on public transport capacity, especially the railway station.

• How can the developments reflect Knebworth's unique character and history?

• Consider the architectural styles proposed and how they blend with existing structures.

• Think about the layout and how it complements the village's current form.

Environmental Impact:

• Are the proposed green spaces sufficient for both residents and wildlife across all sites?

• Consider the potential impact on local biodiversity and habitats.

• Reflect on sustainability features such as energy efficiency and water management.

Community Integration:

• How can the new developments best connect with the existing village?

• Consider pedestrian and cycle links between new and existing areas.

• Think about shared community spaces and facilities that could benefit all residents.

SUBMITTING YOUR VIEWS

After considering these aspects, we encourage you to submit your views to North Herts District Council:

• Online: Visit the North Herts District Council planning portal and search for the relevant application numbers for KB1, KB2, and KB4.

• Email: Send your comments to planning@north-herts.gov.uk, quoting the appropriate application reference numbers.

• Post: Write to Planning Department, North Hertfordshire District Council, Council Offices, Gernon Road, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3JF.

Remember to

• Clearly state your name and address

• Include the relevant application reference numbers

• Focus on planning-related issues

• Be concise and specific in your comments

The Parish Council encourages all residents to engage in this important process. Your views are vital in shaping the future of Knebworth. If you need any assistance in formulating or submitting your response, please don't hesitate to contact the Parish Council.

Together, we can ensure that the developments of KB1, KB2, and KB4 align with the needs and character of our community.

EXAMPLE EMAIL:

Dear Planning Department,

I am writing to express my views on the proposed Strategic Masterplan for sites KB1 , KB2 and KB4 in Knebworth.

As a resident of Knebworth , I have carefully considered the plans presented at the recent community consultation event and would like to offer the following comments:

1. Housing Mix and Density: Enter Your view

2. Infrastructure: Enter your view

3. Traffic and Transport: Enter Your View

4. Character and Design: Enter Your View

5. Environmental Impact Enter Your View

6. Community Integration: Enter Your View

I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to this important process and hope that these comments will be taken into consideration as the plans progress.

Yours sincerely,


Your Name
Your Address