I hope you all got a relaxing break and wish everyone a wonderful 2010.
We are working hard researching other campaigns and gathering information to make sure we are taking everyones opinions and suggestions on board. Please keep your ideas coming in, we appreciate all input and have had some really positive and interesting suggestions made.
The biggest concern seems to be the LDF and the East of England plans for Knebworth South.
This is the same site as the school, but because of the extreme housing shortage, there is the threat of a huge development being situated there instead of a school. With our plan for the school we would have to build an estimated 200 houses, although we would prefer no houses, we need these to fund the building of the school and help restore Knebworth House.
The authorities are also considering building houses on the site, possibly without the school – this could be 2,000 homes if the East Of England Regional Authority decide housing gets the priority.
We believe this would be disastrous for our villages, as all the problems we are trying to find solutions for would be exasperated. It would also leave our children with a huge educational disadvantage, and could even end with them having to build a massive secondary school for all these children – not the traditional style village one we are aiming for.
A school and limited housing on this site would help us show we have shown willing for some housing in the ongoing housing shortage. A school would ensure a choice for the parents, similar to the situation when many local parents were schoolchildren themselves, and competition for our closest secondaries was not fierce. These days many of our families make their choice of which state school to appeal for knowing they will not get in by any other means. Months of stress for these families that can be avoided.
Let us know what you think!
All the best for the New Year,
Jules