Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

My objections are: this will change the character of the historic market town of
Baldock, whilst destroying the enjoyment of the town to which the 10,000 (approx)
residents are entitled. The proportion of extra houses allocated to Baldock and its
environs is massively unfair, compared with houses allocated to, for instance, Hitchin and Letchworth.
The transport system of the town will become both untenable and dangerous in the event of an extra 3,500 houses being built adjacent to our town. Govia Gt Northern are planning to downgrade Baldock railway station from 2018, when a potential 1,000-1500 new commuters wish to use it. Bus services are being reduced by over 70% by the local or district council from January 2017. So public transport will have been massively cut down when these houses are being built.
Private cars: local councillors have told me that these houses will bring a further 7,000 cars INTO the town, since each of the new houses will have two garages. The centre of Baldock is already clogged up with traffic for significant parts of each day. There is serious danger of air pollution for pedestrians and those who live in the town. The plan does NOT even mention this. Air pollution is NOW ONE OF THE TOP KILLERS after Heart disease and strokes, and cancer. IT WOULD BE IRRESPONSIBLE TO IGNORE THIS.
There is already a lack of car-parking space in the town, and because of the compact nature of the town and its historic buildings many of which are listed, there is no room for another car park to be built or further parking spaces to be allocated.
Finally, in the plan, the NHDC committee do not give a reason for Baldock being
allocated such a massive extension to the town rather than choosing another site
for the majority with a smaller allocation being allocated to Baldock.