Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

Subject: Objection to use of green belt land and traffic congestion involved in the Development of Codicote Village

Being Chairman of the Codicote's senior football club and with strong links to Codicote Youth FC as both a coach and manager I know how we and other sports in Codicote are desperately seeking land to expand our sport. Tennis club wants' a 4th court, the Youth football club have to play match's outside the village, the senior side want to introduce an U21 side to accommodate those boys leaving youth football at 16 and have plans to introduce their own ladies side but are being thwarted because of the limited recreational space in Codicote. We have both youth and senior players wanting to join our club from Codicote and the surrounding villagers but we have to turn them away due to lack of space. The mini rugby club will in time look for their own pitch also. Surely the green belt land or area's like the garden centre should be used to expand the recreational activities of the village rather than expand the concrete foot print. We are proud of our achievements, the senior FC now represent the village throughout the Southern Midland Counties of England the highest level of Football in its 103 years, but if this plan goes ahead in its current form the increased numbers wanting to participate in sport such as ours will not be accommodated without additional land and facilities and the possibility of the Clubs stagnating.
There will be other aspects regarding traffic if this plan goes ahead in its current form that will need to be considered in conjunction with the lack of expansion of our current sporting facilities. People of all ages who are looking to participate in sport are likely to look for opportunities outside of the village if we and others can't accommodate. This again will only increasing the carbon foot print but could also exclude some from participating due to lack of transport or social issues and we could face the consequences of increased Youth crime and general health and wellness of the village.

We need to rethink this plan

Sports facility idea for Baldock

If new houses are being developed infrastructure and services must also be provided to meet the demands of the local population, a sports facility would be an exceptional idea in maintaining and promoting the community sprit which Baldock is favoured for and would enable the town to attract more businesses, creating more jobs continuing its prosperity.

I believe this a necessity to enable Baldock to grow with same standards which has been doing for many years now, people are already fearful that characteristics that make Baldock a desirable place to live are under threat if infrastructure and services don't meet the anticipated growth rate of the community.