Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

Having considered the draft Local Plan, we do understand the need for future housing development to accommodate the ever expanding and growing population. However, we struggle to comprehend the inequitable allocation of 2,800 homes proposed for the Land North of Baldock referenced BA1 in the proposed Local Plan. We feel it will have a detrimental impact on the historic market town of Baldock itself, effectively creating a separate environment which will be in direct competition with Baldock itself. Not withstanding the massive disruption to the local community with increased traffic building machinery etc required for the build process itself. This will also put increased pressure on Junction 10 of the A1M which currently struggles during peak times of the day.

As the proposed site is a green field site, which normally is not permitted for development, many local small holdings will lose their land and their livelihoods, as well as the loss of a huge area of countryside which itself supports wildlife.

We can see Policy SP14 appears to make reference to the need to integrate the "new scheme" as well as possible by proposing extensive planting schemes, as well as a new link road connecting the A507 to the A505. All of which will be very costly indeed.

Although we do sympathise with the challenges of satisfying future housing requirements we are unanimous in our decision not to be able to support the proposed new Local Plan until we are confident or advised further as to how the proposed new development schemes will be financed.