The story so far
The story of the village
Knebworth, a large village in North Hertfordshire, has a rich history that has shaped its development. With a population of 4,500 and just over 2,000 homes, the village’s strategic location to the south of Stevenage, alongside its excellent transport links to the East Coast Main Line and the A1(M), has made it a key area for growth. Its early origins were as a small collection of houses linked to farms, responding directly to the natural landscape.
The story so far
Planning context
Knebworth has a unique story that informs and influences its evolution. Its development over time has been shaped by its distinctive character and landscape.
The village’s Garden Village heritage, rooted in early 20th-century proposals for a large-scale community, remains a defining feature. The arrival of the railway in the late 19th century spurred growth, particularly around the station, and the construction of the A1(M) further encouraged expansion in the latter half of the 20th century.
In more recent history, Knebworth has been allocated in the North Herts Local Plan for further development. The sites at KB1 and KB2, located to the west of the village, are identified as areas for new homes that will integrate with the existing community and respect the village’s landscape. These sites present a unique opportunity to extend the village while maintaining the character that makes Knebworth such a distinctive place.
The story so far
Planning History
In recent years, significant work has been undertaken to bring these sites forward. Following their allocation in the North Herts Local Plan, Knebworth Estate, Countryside Partnerships part of Vistry Group and HTA Design LLP began the masterplanning process, shaped by the village’s heritage and informed by a series of technical studies. The introduction of the SP9 masterplan process in 2021 provided a fresh analysis, refining the development proposals and ensuring they align with the aspirations for sustainable placemaking.
The next steps involve public consultation and further masterplanning to ensure the future development of Knebworth reflects the village’s historical context and provides a thriving, sustainable community.
