Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

Comments: Local Plan SP14 etc. (North Baldock Development)
Following the November 2016 meeting at Knights Templar School:
1. All speakers agreed that the development north of Baldock will almost certainly produce too much traffic for the town. We heard that there is no clear understanding of how much traffic will come from the development through Baldock, and how much on to any new bypass. In particular, the Whitehorse Street/Royston Road crossroads cannot be enlarged, because of listed buildings, and cannot deal with any more traffic.
2. There is no evidence of sufficient planning for infrastructure, particularly schools and medical services. The cultural aspect of Baldock as a historic market town is important too, and there is no evidence that the possibility that this may be irrevocably damaged has been addressed. After the rescuing of Baldock's character and function in recent decades, it now risks being swamped, and its identity and contribution to North Herts being erased.
3. It is amazing that an 80% increase in Baldock's housing is not seen as totally out of proportion and unfair. There is no precedent for such a drastic increase; are we being used as a spillover for Luton? Evidence suggests that the council is doing this contrary to previous statements. What is the justification for selecting this particular area of council-owned land north of Baldock - nobody at the recent meeting could suggest a serious explanation.
4. The lack of planning is especially evident in Govia's recent announcement of intentions to cut the fast train service from Baldock. It is evident that neither the council or the train company have credible plans for dealing with the proposed increase in passengers.

Comments: Local Plan SP14 etc. (North Baldock Development)
Following the November 2016 meeting at Knights Templar School:
1. All speakers agreed that the development north of Baldock will almost certainly produce too much traffic for the town. We heard that there is no clear understanding of how much traffic will come from the development through Baldock, and how much on to any new bypass. In particular, the Whitehorse Street/Royston Road crossroads cannot be enlarged, because of listed buildings, and cannot deal with any more traffic.
2. There is no evidence of sufficient planning for infrastructure, particularly schools and medical services. The cultural aspect of Baldock as a historic market town is important too, and there is no evidence that the possibility that this may be irrevocably damaged has been addressed. After the rescuing of Baldock's character and function in recent decades, it now risks being swamped, and its identity and contribution to North Herts being erased.
3. It is amazing that an 80% increase in Baldock's housing is not seen as totally out of proportion and unfair. There is no precedent for such a drastic increase; are we being used as a spillover for Luton? Evidence suggests that the council is doing this contrary to previous statements. What is the justification for selecting this particular area of council-owned land north of Baldock - nobody at the recent meeting could suggest a serious explanation.
4. The lack of planning is especially evident in Govia's recent announcement of intentions to cut the fast train service from Baldock. It is evident that neither the council or the train company have credible plans for dealing with the proposed increase in passengers.