Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

I would like to voice my objections to the NHDC local plan, for 2011 - 2031.
Particularly the enormous northern plan (BA1) where the majority of houses are to be built does not meet meets "tests of soundness" set out in the National Planning Policy Framework.

I object to the current plan.

I object to the high number of houses proposed.
The poor planning piecemeal strategy.
The intolerable stress on Baldock's existing infrastructure.
The strain on the town centres capacity to contain the increase in traffic and people.

* There is no clear plan for development of the small local roads which will service the Northern site.
* There is no provision for the large increase in families with children using the already establishes local schools.
* The roads and parking around Knights Templar are inadequately prepared for such high numbers of cars and people. Morning and evening traffic will be problematic, even dangerous.
* The plan relies on the use of current utilities such as doctors surgery and public places such as community centres, libraries and halls.
* Current town centre parking is already at capacity. The increase in traffic and people will overwhelm the town.
* The plan does not offer sufficient school accommodation within the new site BA1 beyond a couple of token infant schools.
* The geographic placement of Baldock, it is in the middle of a 'bowl', which means the increased pollution within the area will not be effectively evacuated, possibly causing long term problems for the town population both young and old.
* Baldock is an historic town with a developing arts culture. The large increase in homes and peoples will turn the towns personality from personable to impersonal, halting its unique development.
* Surrounding natural areas will be reduced effecting local wildlife. No accommodation for this has been made in the plan.
* The plan allows the building of enough homes to create a whole new town. Baldock cannot sustain this without losing its unique historic nature.
* The flow of traffic into the new site has not been properly considered and Baldock Traffic lights will be an intolerable bottleneck.
* The new houses on the Northern site are on a hillside, making drainage and storm water a massive problem to the small Old London Road road running along the base of the development.
* No allocation has been made for trees and open spaces, leaving the site to be developed piecemeal into a sprawling housing estate.
*No considerate planning has been made for crossing the railway and the plan does not explain how it can be implemented if houses are developed slowly by different builders. Leaving the possibility of more local funding needed at a later date to rectify this and a disorganised development of the site.
* Baldock station will not be able to cope with the large influx of new home owners commuting to and from London.

Surely, with the amount of houses we are considering, would it not be better in the long term, to develop a new town? Close enough to create community ties and yet separate enough so as not to exasperate the Baldock infrastructure. This would offer more work to local people with its own shops, community services etc and the fresh need for shops and supermarkets.
NHDC's own plan states that the vast majority of land in Herts is rural. So why are we just squeezing more people into a small space?
Please come to Baldock and see what a fine town we have. Don't take the short term easy route to just add-to and make-good later on. Once the uniqueness of Baldock is gone it is gone forever.