Knowle plans
FAO The Chief Planning Officer

I have been learning, recently, about the plans known as the Arden Triangle.
I would like to make the following points;-

1. TRAFFIC The plans for Knowle seem to propose upwards of 1000 new dwellings, many of which will be two car households. Everyone I have spoken to thinks this will be a disaster for Knowle High Street, Hampton Lane and Station Road. The already difficult parking would be made considerably worse.

2.ARDEN SCHOOL I am not convinced it is necessary to demolish the school. Many of the buildings are almost new. Nobody talked of demolition until this new plan surfaced.
Repair and partial rebuilding could, with planning and imagination, remedy the situation.

3.NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL. If a new primary school is needed, why should this be a Catholic, or any other religious institution? Religious education can be divisive in a community and apart from in education religion is mostly on the decline.

4. MIND The Mind site off the bridle path from Station Road has been quietly providing a valuable service for over 20 years. It should not just be swept away.As resource for mental health it must,surely, be very low cost to both to NHS and local govt.
In summary .....this is too much for Knowle and the plans need to be changed and/or rejected.