Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

Policy SP14 - BA1.
The proposed development of approximately 2,800 houses in this area has not been researched thoroughly enough and there has been no master plan developed (or at least presented to the public). If the size of Baldock is to increase by 80% there will be great difficulties with school places for primary and secondary schools as the schools are currently at full capacity of oversubscribed. Children are at present travelling into Baldock from the surrounding villages to the secondary school. Will these places still be available or will they go to the new children moving into the area while the new development is being built. We understand new schools will be part of the plan but there are no details published.
Traffic considerations. Additional housing will put huge pressure on the already existing traffic issues within Baldock. The A507 London Road which is proposed to be an exit is already jammed with traffic at peak times (7-9 am and 4-7 pm). The road is very narrow under the railway bridge and the many large lorries going or trying to go under the railway bridge will increase leading to an even more dangerous situation than we have now. Several lorries have crashed into the bridge, shutting the road and stopping the trains due to safety concerns.
The crossroads at the end of the A507 which crosses with the A505 is at present a dangerous junction. It can not be widened due to the surrounding listed buildings. One of which has been badly damaged recently following one of the many crashes. Although a link road is proposed people will still drive to the railway station which at present as very little parking.
The additional development is likely to ruin the historic character, it will remove recreational and good arable farm land leading to a decrease in opportunity for a healthy lifestyle and the consumption of local produce.