A lack of detailed assessment of the transport needs of Baldock has not been undertaken, this should be done prior to going to the inspector. the issues are as follows:
Road Communications (local) - The current road network cannot support the level of traffic currently going through Baldock. The North Herts review, glosses over this important issue which would mean gridlock. Currently there is a queue of traffic for up to half a mile along the Great North Road every single morning trying to get into the Town. The proposed development will mean this will worsen.
The proposed link road A507-A505 will attract regional traffic so become a trunk road and further exacerbate the local transport problems. It will also affect the village of Bygrave which is less than 200 yds from its proposed site.
2. Road Communications (regional) - The A1 at Junction 9 & 10 is only a dual carriageway. This artery to the south and north is already blocked daily. It does not have the capacity for an extra 5000 cars.
3. Rail communications - Baldock is a main commuter Town. Currently the rail system is at capacity. Assuming that most of the 3000 adults will commute either by car or rail to work, as there are limited employment opportunities within the locale , this will place further strain on the rail system. Currently if you travel from Baldock station during morning or evening rush hours you are lucky to get a seat. Current levels of rail stock or Baldock station itself are insufficient for this proposal's rail needs & are unlikely to be able to be addressed.