Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

Education provision is a grave concern in the event of 3290 houses being built in BA1. SP14 makes reference to new provision but contains almost no detail in regard to where, when or how this will take place. School places are already difficult to come by (I live c. 7 minutes walk from my first choice primary school, and was declined a place 3 years ago) Additionally reference is made to the likelihood of expanding Knights Templar secondary school, but again there is no detail as to how or when. Additionally, and with a very worrying lack of detail, temporary measures are referred to - unacceptable lack of detail in this regard also.

Traffic is already a concern as SP14 refers to the pinch point on Station/Clothall/Royston road. It is unclear how the proposed link road would relieve this, given the worst times are school run and Saturday mornings as well as usual rush hours. Vague mention of improvements to the station are also unclear, and there is no reference to the fact that Great Northern is attempting to reduce the fast service to London. Baldock is well placed as a commuter town but how attractive will the new houses be if there is no longer a decent rush hour service into London, and no fast service outside rush hour?

The town centre doesn't appear to be noted for particular expansion. Will there by a new supermarket? This is not mentioned - and is one new GP really sufficient?