Baldock is a historic town with a mediaeval street pattern. It has a lively pub and restaurant scene but few shops. Since the development of Clothall Common, shops have closed and there is no reason to expect the new development to be any different. Residents will probably use the town for commuting and not for their every day needs. This will mean more cars through the town making access to the shops more difficult and will not encourage a variety of retail provision. Pollution is likely to exceed the legal minimum and to cause material damage.