Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

Failure to comply (or insufficient consideration) of number of points within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
Site BA1 North of Baldock and South of Baldock: Failure to promote sustainable transport - The studies have focused on the impact upon the A507 and B656 junction and how to alleviate problems here (given in peak hours this junction is overloaded), however insufficient consideration to wider impact on the routes through the town which the proposed Local Distributor Roads and even the costly additional rail bridge do not completely address. Namely a narrow residential road South Road which will not cope with increased volume of traffic, A507 toward Buntingford which does not currently have sufficient upkeep to prevent significant potholes for any length of time at present, narrow and busy roundabout between High Street and White Horse Street.
In addition there are proposed cuts to trains servicing Baldock and increases of services running time into London of as much as 20 minutes - increasing journey times by over 50% and putting a strain on the transport even without significantly increasing the population.
Failure to promote healthy community: although it is noted there are some open areas and a community centre proposed, it should be noted that the police station in Baldock was closed in 2011 and the town is served by neighbouring forces (the other side of the town to the proposed development). Although crime is currently perceived to be low there should be further consideration the effect of doubling the population will have.
Further consideration required in regards to: Conserve and Enhance the Historic Environment/Vitality of Town Centres: - Although there is a large Tesco - Baldock has I believe, to date, overcome the 'death of the market high street' as coined by the media. There are independent shops and businesses which are frequented by all age ranges in this historic market town. Activities such as fairs, may day historical celebrations, beer festivals and music events bring families into the town and there is a palpable community spirit. There needs to be far more in depth consideration as to the extent to which the population could (relatively) rapidly increase before this is potentially irreparably damaged.