Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

Soundness

The local plan doesn't take into account where people will have to travel for employment,
shopping, leisure, education and other activities. I am especially concerned about the lack of planning for employment with a stretched infrastructure including roads, rail and sewage supply. I refer the inspector to paragraph 37 of the National Planning Policy Framework.

It is apparent that NHDC hasn't conducted the in-depth analysis required to ensure that the Local Plan is a sound plan for the future of North Herts

I cannot see how this local plan takes into the account the rural character of Baldock when the increase in housing will support the thriving rural community of Baldock nor protect the Green Belt, especially when the propsoed housing is planned for existing farmland

I refer the inspector to the NPPF bullet 21 where local plan needs to take account of the different roles and character of different areas,
promoting the vitality of our main urban areas, protecting the Green Belts
around them, recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the
countryside and supporting thriving rural communities within it

Merely reclassification of land will not stimulate employment. The local plan needs to clearly articulate how they propose to minimise commuter journies that will arise from the Local Plan in line with the recommendation 37.

It is disappointing that the Local Plan does not discuss sustainable transport options but instead discusses the road network.

I refer to the NPPF where it clearly articulates the delivery of sustainable transport objectives through action and is articulated in
a document that is regularly reviewed.

This plan does not support promote the development and diversification of agricultural and other land-based rural businesses since the proposed housing is on existing farmland.

It is inequitable that Baldock town is to be increased by 80% where as other
Hertfordshire towns are expanding by only 10 - 20% and yet Baldock is one of the smaller towns thus less able to cope with the size of development suggested.
Air quality will be significantly reduced within the town .No mention of tree planting to improve the air quality issue, or % of green space planned to aid surface water drainage.

The term gypsy is a racial slur for Roma people.

The green belt land around Baldock Green Belt serves critical purposes:
● to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment and;
● to preserve the setting and special character of historic towns

I am concerned that the Local Plan does not regard the construction of new buildings as
inappropriate in Green Belt as clearly set out in the NPPF