September update: development discussions, recycling issues, flags

Discussions are taking place across stakeholders on how Knebworth will grow

The existing North Hertfordshire Local Plan has allocated three sites for further housing – two on the west of the main village (KB1, KB2) and one to the east (KB4). Together they are about 600 homes plus a primary school, so the main village is set to grow by nearly one third. 

On top of that we have other adjacent development where people use Knebworth, for example in Woolmer Green and Bragbury End. The district council has also started a process to develop the next Local Plan, so it’s likely that even more development is proposed for the future around Knebworth.

All of these developments will place additional burden on our road infrastructure, which today is based on historic country lanes. When combined with existing capacity issues on the A1(M) and the pinch point in the village centre, it adds up to significant congestion and frustration for residents and businesses here.

The way that these new housing sites get laid out will lock in decisions about road access around the village for decades to come, including placing constraints on connections for any future further growth beyond today’s proposals. 

We have to think long-term about overall solutions beyond just the current three existing Local Plan sites, as road infrastructure lasts for centuries and fundamentally shapes our community.

We also need to make our village safer and easier for walking and cycling, to help people get around the village without the need to resort to using cars. This all leads o some difficult choices ahead.

There is a big opportunity in front of us now to make sensible, pragmatic choices for Knebworth using investment available from the new housing that can make a positive long-term difference to our community and address historic issues.

It will need collaboration and compromise from all parties involved. We’re going to have to find a balance between promoting walking, cycling, public transport use, supporting our retail economy growth in the village but recognising the reality of some car use in a large, growing semi-rural village.We’re pleased to say that September has seen some positive progress with initial round table discussions starting at the County Council offices with many local groups, politicians and planners. Whilst the formal planning processes will continue, we believe this is a good sign of the different parties willing to discuss the best outcomes for our community.

Recycling changes are now in place, please report any issues

The changes to bin collections have been in place for over a month now. Whilst they are helping to drive up the recycling levels, we are aware that there continue to be issues with some collections. This seems particularly the case for some flats and commercial properties.

If you have any issues such as missing bins, missing collections or additional needs, please get in touch with the Council in the first instance as soon as possible to report and fix the issues.

If you’re still having trouble please contact us and we will try and help escalate ongoing issues.

Flags on highways

We recognise the recent nationwide rise in flag flying. The District Council is monitoring the situation and is working with the County Council regarding the flying of flags on lampposts, as well as graffiti that has been painted on roundabouts and other parts of our highways.

To ensure public safety the County Council have a policy of not allowing any items to be attached to lampposts and other street fixtures they are responsible for without permission. If the Highways team become aware of unapproved items and/or graffiti, then they will remove them when they are next in the area. If they consider an item poses an immediate risk to safety or is clearly offensive (e.g. offensive words or symbols) it will be removed as soon as possible.

If you wish to report an issue on a highway, lamppost or roundabout in North Herts, please use the County Council’s online fault reporting tool, selecting the option to report a sign or graffiti that has been illegally placed on the highway or HCC assets.

https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/highways-roads-and-pavements/report-a-problem/report-a-highway-fault

Councillors’ surgery

The sessions in the Parish Centre on the third Saturday of each month – next one is 18^th October 10am-12pm. Please come and talk to us about any issues you have with council services. You can contact either Lisa or Paul at team.knebworth@gmail.com or at our district councillor contacts below.