Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

NPPF s.4 is about "Promoting sustainable transport". It states that Transport Statements and Assessments should be carried out, that developments should take up opportunities to reduce the need for major transport infrastructure and that plans should take account of whether "safe and suitable access to the site can be achieved for all people". I don't think the plan has achieved this for all areas being considered for development. In particular, I am concerned about congestion in and around Baldock train station. Further, parking space at the station is so limited that cars often park on Icknield Way East which is already hugely congested. Great Northern is currently consulting on a reduced train service from Baldock. An increasing population and a reduced train service will cause acute congestion in and around Baldock train station.

I don't believe that an additional 3,290 houses will provide a positive benefit for the town. NPPF Chapter 2 is entitled "Ensuring the vitality of town centres". It covers aspects including requirements to "retain and enhance existing markets" and "promote competitive town centres...which reflect the individuality of the town". Baldock is a small market town. The addition of 3,290 new homes will dramatically change the character of the town centre.

Finally, I am concerned about the infrastructure being provided. NPPF paragraph 177 describes that "it is...important to ensure that there is a reasonable prospect that planed infrastructure is deliverable in a timely fashion...the local planning authority must understand district-wide development costs at the time Local Plans are drawn up". Having reviewed the plans, I don't believe planned infrastructure to support 3,290 new homes is deliverable in a timely fashion.