Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

I object to the Local plan for Baldock Hertfordshire BA1 - Site 2 and 3
My reasons are:
1. Having been to the meetings I gained a distinct impression that this was land owned by the council that they could see generating a substantial amount of income. In my opinion these sites have been chosen simply to fulfil the government's demands for housing and enable the council to get on the money making band wagon.

2. Having been a home carer and visiting the older generation of farmers in the area, their comment was that this area would not be suitable for home building as it is susceptible to flooding due to younger farmers filling in the ditches in order to increase their land. One would not like to buy a new build that could possibly flood in the future.

3. As I am sure you are aware from the various objections, the increase in traffic would be unbearable. It was seriously suggested that a bicycle lane would be provided to enable us to get out of Bygrave road. How would this be feasible for any older person? Traffic on North Road from Bygrave Road to the traffic lights can easily take 10 minutes for 2 blocks! Car parking is already stretched to capacity as the station car park is extremely expensive and usually full.

4. At one of the meetings, RT Hon. Sir Oliver Heald QC MP, suggested the creation of a new town where all the correct infrastructure could be installed and planned prior to any building. We have not been offered any alternatives at all and his suggestion appears to be the more sensible option, bearing in mind that when a resident questioned whether the infrastructure, such as the proposed bridge at Bygrave would be built before any brick was laid for a house, Councillor Levitt refused to confirm that! We have not heard another mention of the new town.

5. The most important objection that I have is the loss of farm land leading to loss of livelihood, community, food, and diversity. The air quality will be severely impaired as Baldock is in a dip and we are already surrounded by motorways. The increase in motionless traffic with engines running will be astronomical. The predicted number of extra cars on the road in rush hour is between 3500 and 7200 in Baldock, an impossible number to accommodate.

6. Another town the size of Baldock will be tagged on to the one side with no amenities or infrastructure in place and no means of entering or leaving because of traffic jams. Does this sound like a sensible preferred option?

I would appreciate it if you would consider my concerns and give this matter the attention it deserves.

I object to the Local plan for Baldock Hertfordshire BA1 - Site 2 and 3
My reasons are:
1. Having been to the meetings I gained a distinct impression that this was land owned by the council that they could see generating a substantial amount of income. In my opinion these sites have been chosen simply to fulfil the government's demands for housing and enable the council to get on the money making band wagon.

2. Having been a home carer and visiting the older generation of farmers in the area, their comment was that this area would not be suitable for home building as it is susceptible to flooding due to younger farmers filling in the ditches in order to increase their land. One would not like to buy a new build that could possibly flood in the future.

3. As I am sure you are aware from the various objections, the increase in traffic would be unbearable. It was seriously suggested that a bicycle lane would be provided to enable us to get out of Bygrave road. How would this be feasible for any older person? Traffic on North Road from Bygrave Road to the traffic lights can easily take 10 minutes for 2 blocks! Car parking is already stretched to capacity as the station car park is extremely expensive and usually full.

4. At one of the meetings, RT Hon. Sir Oliver Heald QC MP, suggested the creation of a new town where all the correct infrastructure could be installed and planned prior to any building. We have not been offered any alternatives at all and his suggestion appears to be the more sensible option, bearing in mind that when a resident questioned whether the infrastructure, such as the proposed bridge at Bygrave would be built before any brick was laid for a house, Councillor Levitt refused to confirm that! We have not heard another mention of the new town.

5. The most important objection that I have is the loss of farm land leading to loss of livelihood, community, food, and diversity. The air quality will be severely impaired as Baldock is in a dip and we are already surrounded by motorways. The increase in motionless traffic with engines running will be astronomical. The predicted number of extra cars on the road in rush hour is between 3500 and 7200 in Baldock, an impossible number to accommodate.

6. Another town the size of Baldock will be tagged on to the one side with no amenities or infrastructure in place and no means of entering or leaving because of traffic jams. Does this sound like a sensible preferred option?

I would appreciate it if you would consider my concerns and give this matter the attention it deserves.