Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

Following a meeting at Knights Templar earlier this month, regarding the above local plan, I would like to express my concerns for the future of Baldock.

Please can I ask that the current proposed plans are reconsidered and you greatly reduce the number of houses that are planned to be built. I have key concerns over a number of areas regarding the impact the houses will have on the small town of Baldock. Essentially, Baldock cannot cope with such a vast increase in houses and population.

The impact to the local schools will be huge, the numbers of children for each yearly in-take will greatly increase and there needs to be assurances that the high level of current teaching standards are maintained and the children of Baldock do not have to suffer with such an increase in housing. I also have concerns regarding the other vital Council services being provided for the people living in Baldock including Doctors, Hospital and Dental services. How can we know we will be able to continue to receive the service and support that these necessary services provide?

The expectation is that there would be an increase of 5000 cars due to the proposed housing, this will have such a huge impact in traffic and congestion, Baldock just cannot cope with such a large increase and will have such a negative impact to the people already living here as well as such an impact to the local environment through car pollution.
If new roads are to be built to accommodate this increase, this will further be taking our precious green land away and I doubt the roads will be ready in time for the increase in volume of people and cars.

I have also seen that Govia are reducing the fast trains into London from Baldock just at a time when the Baldock population is about to explode, I cannot understand why such a decision would be made unless it was not an informed one. This again shows that decisions are being made without full information being provided and this has encouraged me even more to contact you and highlight key impacts this proposal will have on Baldock.
Baldock is such a lovely market town and one of the last in the area that has managed for so long to retain its character and be somewhere that no-one wants to leave.

Please do not ruin our lovely town, do not put our children's education at risk, do not cause misery for those of us who have chosen to live in Baldock by deciding to build way too many houses that such a small town cannot support. Please ensure that a strong decision to respect Baldock and the wishes of its inhabitants is made.