Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

I wish to object to the massive and totally inappropriate development to the north of Baldock as proposed in the North Hertfordshire District Council's Local Plan 2011 - 2031 (Proposed Submission, October 2016). My objections are based on two of the "Tests of Soundness" that Local Plans are required to meet.

"Effective - the plan should be deliverable over its period and based on effective joint working on cross boundary strategic priorities;"

"Consistent with national policy - the plan should enable the delivery of sustainable development in accordance with the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework."

The Local Plan fails to meet the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework and the planners have largely ignored residents' concerns about local amenities and the proposed development plan.

1. Traffic congestion through Baldock
The main traffic issue is where the junction the A507 North Road meets the Royston Road (the old route of the A505) at the junction of Whitehorse Street, Station Road, Royston Road and Clothall Road. The junction is always congested, and during the rush hour in the morning and evening, can extend back almost as far as the Baldock services. The proposed new road connecting A505 and A507 wouldn't be enough to accommodate the additional traffic for the proposed development and would only add to the problem we already have.

2. Access to Baldock train station
During the rush hour, cars from the station often have to force their way into the traffic coming into Baldock. Turning right at the bottom of the road at the station is a particular problem. Additional commuters would cause even more congestion.

3. Lack of local infrastructure to support existing needs of the town and it's residents.
The scale of development around Baldock will place massive additional pressures on schools, doctors' surgeries and other basic amenities which are already at overstretched and full capacity. The new houses would be built before any additional facilities would be in place.

4. Development of the Green Belt

NHDC councillors have stated that they are forced to propose green belt developments in order to meet government housing targets, but the ministerial guidance on Green Belt development published on 6th October 2014 makes it clear that councils are NOT required to build on the Green Belt in order to meet housing targets. I feel very strongly that we should be doing everything in our power to protect the Green Belt - particularly since there are other sites available that DO meet planning criteria and are NOT in the Green Belt.

The scale of the proposed Blackhorse Farm development is well beyond anything that Baldock could reasonably be expected to accommodate. The very large number of houses proposed and the additional traffic which would be generated would be completely detrimental to the town. The planners have not described the Blackhorse Farm development as a new town but that is what it would be. Sensitive infill development in appropriate areas of the town would be beneficial, but the urban sprawl that is proposed will lead to massive traffic congestion and make the town centre almost inaccessible to residents and the surrounding villages.

We moved into our new house in a small development in Baldock 4 years ago. The town which is steeped in history has a real sense of community with local shops, eating places, churches, schools and doctors surgery. Traffic is an issue at the moment but I cannot imagine what the future holds for this small market town should this proposed new development go ahead.

I would urge all those who have the power to limit the amount of new houses allocated to Baldock to reject the proposed plan so that the character and heritage of this historic market town can be retained.