NH3 Knebworth

Stevenage Secondary School Site Search

High Level Accessibility Appraisal for Site NH3 at Land east of Stevenage , Knebworth

This high level accessibility appraisal is to consider the suitability of vehicular and pedestrian access for a new 8 Form of Entry (8FE) secondary school on land east of Stevenage Road in Knebworth.

1. Site Background

1.1 Location

The site is situated on the east side of the B197 Stevenage Road, on the north side of Knebworth. Arable land abuts the site to the north and east while a residential area is located to the south. A railway is located to the north east of the site and runs south east to north west, with Stevenage located beyond.

To the west, a long north to south stretch of arable land separates the B197 Stevenage Road and another railway.

1.2 Local Road Network

The B197 Stevenage Road is a 9m wide Secondary Distributor Road which runs north to south between Stevenage and Knebworth. At its northern end, the road continues as the B197 London Road once over the railway. A short distance on from the railway, the B197 connects to Hertford Road via a small . At its southern end, the road continues south as the B197 London Road from a mini-roundabout with Watton Road and Station Road. Adjacent to the north western corner of the site, the southbound carriageway becomes a two-lane section for a short distance before returning to a single lane just before entering Knebworth. The road is subject to the National Speed Limit between Stevenage and Knebworth, with a 30mph speed limit in place once the road approaches the built-up areas of each settlement. Footways are generally in place on both sides of the road, apart from on the eastern side between the north western corner of the site and the built- up area of Stevenage.

Oakfields Road is a 5.5m wide Minor Access Road which connects from the B197 Stevenage Road on its eastern side. The road runs north eastwards from the B197 before turning towards the north west where the road becomes Oakfields . From here, the road runs north to the southern boundary of the site. Oakfields Road and Oakfields Avenue have footways on both sides of the road and lie within a 30mph speed limit zone.

Deard’s End Lane is an historic country lane and, as such, has several tight bends and no footways. The road connects from the B197 Stevenage Road, adjacent to the south west corner of the site, and Park Lane to the south west. Deard’s End Lane provides a vehicular link over the railway and lies within a 30mph speed limit zone.

Watton Road is a 5.5m wide Local Distributor Road. The road connects to a mini-roundabout with the B197 Stevenage Road, the B197 London Road and Station Road. From the mini-roundabout, the road runs eastwards through Knebworth and on to Stevenage. A 30mph speed limit is in place until

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NH3 Knebworth the edge of Knebworth, where the road becomes subject to the National Speed Limit. There are several calming features along the western part of the road as it runs within Knebworth.

Station Road is a Local Distributor Road which runs westwards from the mini-roundabout with the B197 and Watton Road. To the west, Station Road provides a link under the railway and on to Old Knebworth, via Station Approach and Park Lane. The road is approximately 9m wide, although on- parking reduces the effective width of the road to approximately 5m.

Old Knebworth Lane is a country lane which runs east to west from the B197 London Road (Stevenage) to Old Knebworth. The road is subject to the National Speed Limit and provides a link under the railway.

1.3 Existing Access

There are currently two access points to the site from the B197 Stevenage Road from the west. One access is located at the south western corner of the site and utilises the dropped kerb for cyclists to rejoin the carriageway from the shared foot/cycleway.

The second access is located near the north western corner of the site, although this access did not appear to be as used as the access described above.

1.4 Existing Pedestrian/Cycle Provision

There are generally footways on both sides of the in the residential area to the south of the site, and alongside the B197 adjacent to the site and to the south. However, from the north western corner of the site to the north, the B197 only has a footway on the western side of the road. In addition, Deard’s End Lane, located to the south west of the site, has no footways on either side of the road.

Public number 5 is located to the south of the site and runs between Oakfields Avenue to the B197 Stevenage Road.

Public Bridleway number 1 is located to the south west of the site and runs north west from Oakfields Road to Stevenage.

There are dedicated cycle alongside the B197 between Stevenage and Knebworth. These cycle routes are in the form of shared foot/cycleways from Knebworth to the north western corner of the site. From here, the cycle route continues on to Stevenage as on-road dedicated cycle lanes.

1.5 Public Transport

The nearest bus stops are on the B197 located within 120m of the south western corner of the site. These stops serve Routes 44, 45, 300, 301, 378, 379 and 388. These routes provide services to Stevenage, Hertford, Welwyn Garden City, Hemel Hempstead, St. Albans, Hatfield and Luton.

Routes 300/301 is the most frequent of these bus routes, providing a quarter hourly service to Stevenage and Welwyn Garden City.

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NH3 Knebworth

The nearest railway station is Knebworth Station, located approximately 930m to the south of the site. Knebworth Station has half hourly connections with Stevenage and London.

1.6 Existing Conditions

Observations of transport conditions in the vicinity of the site were made in the AM peak period of 8th June 2016 between 7:30am and 9:30am. The weather was dry and sunny. It is noted that some pupils of local secondary schools will have been on study leave at the time of observations. Therefore, the observed transport conditions may not be reflective of the typical term time scenario.

From 7:30am, there was congestion across the B197/Hertford Road roundabout which was caused by the signalled controlled junction associated with the Tesco supermarket. The signal controlled junction restricted the flow of the northbound carriageway which caused queues to extend to the B197/Hertford Road roundabout. However, these queues eased once the signals allowed the northbound traffic to move.

At 8:10am, the northern end of the B197 Stevenage Road became congested as vehicles attempting to overtake a stationary bus conflicted with vehicles turning right into Old Knebworth Lane. However, the congestion cleared relatively quickly once the bus left the bus stop.

Significant queuing was observed on the southbound carriageway of the B197 extending from the Station Road/Watton Road mini-roundabout. This queue was observed for the entire observation period, becoming most severe at approximately 8:00am where the queue extended past the Oakfields .

Queuing across the B197/Station Road/Watton Road mini-roundabout formed due to the restricted carriageway width along the B197 London Road adjacent to the village shops.

Apart from the southbound queuing from the village shops, the B197 in the vicinity of the site had free flowing traffic throughout the peak period. There appeared to be a higher volume of traffic travelling southbound, although only one vehicle was observed using the outside lane of the southbound .

A notable amount of southbound vehicles were observed using the right turn lane to enter Deard’s End Lane. The number of vehicles turning into Deard’s End Lane increased as the length of the southbound queue on the B197 worsened.

Traffic flows along Watton Road appeared moderate, although a small queue was constant at its western junction with the B197 and Station Road.

Station Road was fairly busy due to several shops on its southern side. However, traffic flows were relatively light throughout the observation period.

Oakfields Road and Oakfields Avenue were very quiet throughout the observation period, with low levels of on-street parking.

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NH3 Knebworth

By 8:20am, traffic flows had lightened with only a short queue observed at the B197/Watton Road/Station Road mini-roundabout. This scenario generally remained until the end of the observation period.

Pedestrian traffic flows in the vicinity of the site were low, with only a few pedestrians observed for the entire peak period.

2. Access Considerations

2.1 Network Capacity

Observations carried out on the local road network show that the main road links in the vicinity of the site potentially could cater for 8FE secondary school traffic, provided the vast majority of vehicle movements are from the north.

However, the site location on the northern edge of Knebworth, and outside Stevenage, would likely increase the number of pupils travelling to school by car.

The main road network layout is such that there is poor potential for traffic distribution as the B197 Stevenage Road would be the main route to the site, with the only real alternative route being via Watton Road and the congested B197/Station Road mini-roundabout.

Although the network capacity of the B197 Stevenage Road in the vicinity of the site would appear to be able to accommodate additional traffic flows associated with the school, the roundabout junction between the B197 and Hertford Road would likely exceed its ratio to flow capacity in its current format.

However, it is noted that the signal controlled junction associated with the Tesco supermarket causes congestion across this roundabout. Therefore, there may be scope to minimise the improvements required for the B197/Hertford Road roundabout by reviewing the signal staging and arrangements for the Tesco junction.

Should a secondary school be considered for this site, it is unlikely that the Authority will accept the principle of parents dropping off pupils on any of the surrounding roads within the public highway. Therefore, on-site parking for parents as well as staff would be required.

Footway provision in the local area appears to be generally suitable for an 8FE secondary school. However, continuing the footway on the eastern side of the B197 is likely to be required, although it is noted that there appears to be insufficient space available across the railway . In addition, the speed limit along the B197 will need to be derestricted to 30mph to reduce the risks associated with a large increase in pedestrian flows along the road.

A signalised is also likely to be required on the B197.

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NH3 Knebworth

2.2 General Improvements

Depending upon results of desire line analysis, it is possible that additional signal controlled crossings could be required at strategic locations on the road network. Additional uncontrolled pedestrian crossing points will also be required at strategic locations on the local highway.

2.3 Proposed Access

Potential options for providing vehicular and pedestrian access into the proposed site have been considered, as outlined below:-

i) Access from the B197 Stevenage Road.

ii) Access from Oakfields Avenue.

It was considered that an access from the B197 Stevenage Road would be most suitable for vehicular and pedestrian access, although highway improvements would be necessary. An access from the B197 will need to take into consideration the vertical visibility from the proposed site access which may be restricted by the steep gradient along the road.

It was observed that the B197 southbound dual carriageway, adjacent to the site, was not necessary as the vast majority of vehicles only used one lane. Therefore, there may be scope to utilise part of existing dual carriageway for the access arrangements for the potential school site.

An access would appear feasible from Oakfields Avenue, via Oakfields Road. However, the nature and hierarchy of these roads would not be suitable to cater for traffic associated with an 8FE secondary school. In addition, school traffic would conflict with the observed southbound queues from the B197/Watton Road/Station Road mini-roundabout.

A secondary pedestrian access point could be provided at the south western corner of the site, catering for potential pupils from Knebworth and the nearest bus stops.

2.4 Park and Stride

There are several potential Park and Stride locations in the vicinity of the site:

 Knebworth Golf Club is located approximately 150m to the west of the site and has a car park with capacity for approximately 150 cars. However, Deard’s End Lane has no footways so it is unlikely that this facility could be utilised as a Park and Stride location.

 Knebworth Recreational Ground is located approximately 700m to the south of the site and has a car park with capacity for approximately 60 cars.

 The Roebuck Hotel is located approximately 750m from the north western corner of the site and has a car park with capacity for approximately 30 cars. During the observation period, there were several vehicles within the car park with the occasional vehicle observed entering and exiting.

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NH3 Knebworth

 The Toby Carvery restaurant is located on the B197 London Road, approximately 1km to the north west of the site. The restaturant car park has capacity for approximately 90 cars, with additional space available for approximately 20 cars parking on-street on the wide access road.

 Tesco supermarket is located approximately 1.2km to the north west of the site and has a large car park with capacity for over 350 cars. During the observation period, this car park was fairly busy, although at least half of the car park was unoccupied.

It is considered that The Toby Carvery restaurant and Tesco supermarket could potentially be used as Park and Stride locations for vehicles travelling to the school site from the north. Knebworth Recreational Ground could potentially be used as a Park and Stride location for vehicles travelling from the east, via Watton Road, which could provide an option to avoid the congested B197/Watton Road/Station Road roundabout.

3. Conclusions

The site is located on the east side of the B197 Stevenage Road, on the northern edge of Knebworth.

It is suggested that the most suitable option for vehicles to access the site is from the B197 Stevenage Road, to the west.

Access to the site for pedestrians will require some highway improvements to cater for the increase in potential pedestrian movements to and from the site, particularly from Stevenage to the north.

On-site parking for parents is likely to be required in addition to parking provided for staff.

Provided the majority of movements will be between the school site and Stevenage, the local highway in its current context appears to have sufficient capacity to accommodate an 8FE secondary school. However, the B197/Hertford Road roundabout in conjunction with the Tesco supermarket junction will need further assessment to determine the impact posed by the potential school traffic and the associated required highway improvements to cater for the additional vehicles.

The local public transport network appears reasonable with a frequent service to the Stevenage and further destinations. These services offer options for staff and pupils to use these sustainable travel modes.

There may be some scope to utilise the car park at the Toby Carvery restaurant and Tesco supermarket, to the north west. In addition, Knebworth Recreational Ground provides a potential Park and Stride location for vehicles travelling from the east. However, further assessment would be required to determine the capacity of the car parks during peak periods and negotiations with the car park owners would also need to be undertaken.

Overall the site is considered generally suitable to accommodate an 8FE secondary school, provided suitable highway improvements are implemented to the B197 and further assessment of the B197/Hertford Road roundabout.

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KEY

SITE BOUNDARY

FOOTPATH

BRIDLEWAY ROEBUCK HOTEL DEDICATED CYCLE ROUTE OLD KNEBWORTH LANE

HERTFORD ROAD POTENTIAL ACCESS LOCATION

LONDON ROAD (VEHICLE AND PEDESTRIAN)

Rev Description Date Drawn Checked

Project

Stevenage And North Herts Secondary School SPEED LIMIT 30mph Site Search NORTH OF THIS POINT. NATIONAL SPEED LIMIT TO SOUTH Drawing Description

Site NH3

RAILWAY

Drawing Number Scale Date Drawn by Checked by DITCH ST-2506-202 1:5000@A3 21.06.06 SIV SJB

Client Architect

B197 STEVENAGE ROAD

Do not scale off the drawing. Only written dimensions should be taken. Any discrepancies or errors should be brought to the attention of the engineer immediately. This document is copyright and may not be reproduced without permission of the owner.

Ordnance Survey data contained herein is for use on this project only. Third parties involved www.stomor.com in this project wishing to reproduce this data, Registered Office: for the purposes of said project, may do so on 32 Beehive Lane, Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL7 4BQ display of the following: Design Office: ‹ Crown Copyright All rights reserved 2015 19 Walsworth Road, Hitchin, Herts, SG4 9SP License No 100055466 Tel 01462 615433, Fax 01462 615425, Email [email protected]

79

LOW POINT IN ROAD

79 SITE NH3 1 DUAL CARRIAGEWAY ON SOUTH BOUND LANE BETWEEN THESE POINTS.

STEEP ROAD GRADIENT ALONG THIS SECTION

POSSIBLE VEHICLE & PEDESTRIAN ACCESS

SPEED LIMIT 30mph SOUTH OF THIS POINT. NATIONAL SPEED LIMIT TO NORTH

HIGH POINT IN ROAD TIGHT BENDS OAKFIELDS AVENUE KNEBWOTH GOLF CLUB

BUS STOP RED CROSSING POINT

5 RAILWAY BUS STOP NARROW FOOTWAY OVER BRIDGE

1 5

OAKFIELDS ROAD

DEARD'S END LANE

KNEBWOTH

B197 STEVENAGE ROAD RECREATIONAL GROUND

BUS STOP SPEED LIMIT 30mph WEST OF THIS POINT. WATTON ROAD NATIONAL SPEED LIMIT TO EAST. BUS STOP MINI-ROUNDABOUT PARK LANE

KNEBWORTH

STATION ROAD