Who are we / Objectives
We have recently formed GASP to oppose the further northern expansion of Stevenage, details of which we understand will be presented for public consultation as a revised SNAP plan during the second/third quarter of 2010.
Graveley parish encompasses the village of Graveley and a large part of Great Ashby. Although two distinct communities in character we are both extremely concerned at the SNAP proposals and the impact they would have if passed, on our quality of life, the environment and already over stretched services/infrastructure.
Under existing proposals Graveley will be all but absorbed by Stevenage, and Great Ashby will see a further significant expansion of its footprint, with the building of up to an additional 5,500 houses. These proposals were overwhelming rejected by respondents (some 2,700) in the surrounding communities to the previous public consultations on the draft SNAP proposals (November 2007). We understand that these objections are likely to be wholly ignored by the planners in their next set of proposals. The SNAP proposals if proceeded with will see the destruction of further Green Belt land, encroaching on local rural communities, with increased demands on roads, services and infrastructure, which are already totally inadequate. The plan to build a new road to link Great Ashby from North Road will funnel more traffic volume onto a road, which is already heavily congested at peak time and at a junction, which is regularly subject to accidents. Existing traffic volumes are already set to increase with the expansion of Lister Hospital currently taking place
SNAP (Stevenage and North Herts Area Action Plan)
Planning policies to direct the future growth of Stevenage to the north and west are being prepared as a response to the proposals within the East of England Plan. The East of England Plan is the regional spatial strategy for the period 2001 to 2021 and was adopted in May 2008. It requires substantial growth in and around Stevenage, including land within North Herts. SNAP is the document which will guide the development of new homes, new employment areas, and associated services to support the new neighbourhoods.
Stevenage Borough Council and North Hertfordshire District council are working together to prepare SNAP, as the planning policies will cover land within the boundaries of both authorities.
We have recently formed GASP to oppose the further northern expansion of Stevenage, details of which we understand will be presented for public consultation as a revised SNAP plan during the second/third quarter of 2010.
Graveley parish encompasses the village of Graveley and a large part of Great Ashby. Although two distinct communities in character we are both extremely concerned at the SNAP proposals and the impact they would have if passed, on our quality of life, the environment and already over stretched services/infrastructure.
Under existing proposals Graveley will be all but absorbed by Stevenage, and Great Ashby will see a further significant expansion of its footprint, with the building of up to an additional 5,500 houses. These proposals were overwhelming rejected by respondents (some 2,700) in the surrounding communities to the previous public consultations on the draft SNAP proposals (November 2007). We understand that these objections are likely to be wholly ignored by the planners in their next set of proposals. The SNAP proposals if proceeded with will see the destruction of further Green Belt land, encroaching on local rural communities, with increased demands on roads, services and infrastructure, which are already totally inadequate. The plan to build a new road to link Great Ashby from North Road will funnel more traffic volume onto a road, which is already heavily congested at peak time and at a junction, which is regularly subject to accidents. Existing traffic volumes are already set to increase with the expansion of Lister Hospital currently taking place
SNAP (Stevenage and North Herts Area Action Plan)
Planning policies to direct the future growth of Stevenage to the north and west are being prepared as a response to the proposals within the East of England Plan. The East of England Plan is the regional spatial strategy for the period 2001 to 2021 and was adopted in May 2008. It requires substantial growth in and around Stevenage, including land within North Herts. SNAP is the document which will guide the development of new homes, new employment areas, and associated services to support the new neighbourhoods.
Stevenage Borough Council and North Hertfordshire District council are working together to prepare SNAP, as the planning policies will cover land within the boundaries of both authorities.
The new plans propose:
1,500 houses between Graveley and Stevenage (on the field between North Road, the B197 and the cricket ground)
A link road from Junction 8 of the A1(M), between Graveley and Stevenage, through the above field, to north of Great Ashby
5,500 houses to the north and east of Great Ashby
Employment land (an 'innovation park' was discussed) at Junction 8 of the A1(M)
A 23 pitch permanent travellers' site at Junction 8 of the A1(M) opposite Elizabeth Court / the Cygnet Hospital
Latest News
Public Meeting is being held on Wednesday, 14th April 2010 at Graveley Village Hall at 8pm, to which Parliamentary Candidates for the constituency of Hitchin and Harpenden from the three main political parties have been invited to give their views on the SNAP proposals, to be followed by questions from the public. Acceptances have been received from Peter Lilley MP (Conservative) and Nigel Quinton (Liberal Democrat) to date.
G.A.S.P Letter Writing Pack
Download Letter Writing Pack
Web Links
Campaign for Rural England
Campaign Against Stevenage Expansion
Friends of the Earth
Friends of Forster Country
SNAP Document
Herts North District Council (then enter SNAP in search box)
Public Meeting is being held on Wednesday, 14th April 2010 at Graveley Village Hall at 8pm, to which Parliamentary Candidates for the constituency of Hitchin and Harpenden from the three main political parties have been invited to give their views on the SNAP proposals, to be followed by questions from the public. Acceptances have been received from Peter Lilley MP (Conservative) and Nigel Quinton (Liberal Democrat) to date.
G.A.S.P Letter Writing Pack
Download Letter Writing Pack
Web Links
Campaign for Rural England
Campaign Against Stevenage Expansion
Friends of the Earth
Friends of Forster Country
SNAP Document
Herts North District Council (then enter SNAP in search box)
Contacts