The Baldock conversation

We ran a public consultation event in March 2023, to share what we had learnt about Baldock so far, and to hear the community’s views on the growth of the town and issues that were important to local people. This page summarises the outcomes of this consultation: what you said to us, and how the Strategic Masterplan has responded.

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Masterplan response

1.

You said …

Over 50 people made comments about their concerns regarding local water supply and extraction issues from the River Ivel.

We did …

We are exploring how sustainable drainage systems within the development can support recharging the aquifer as well as working with the wider local water cycle. We are also talking with the water companies to ensure future water supplies are made to the development and wider area and options to implement water reduction technologies in new homes, to encourage sustainable use of water.
A greenway for Baldock
2.

You said …

Comments include concerns about loss of green space and the areas residents feel most strongly should be protected, as well as requests for a green circular route like the ones found in other towns locally.

We did …

We will provide not just new areas of accessible green space for people and nature – such as Bygrave Common and Walls Field – but also corridors throughout the development to connect with wider green areas. The Baldock Greenway will be a key part of connecting these new important spaces, alongside enabling sustainable connections to existing Nature Reserves at Ivel Springs and Weston Hills.
Helping you get about
3.

You said …

The need for good quality architecture and design to integrate new homes visually with existing properties.

We did …

The team have been meeting with residents of Royston Road individually to discuss the planned approach, and identify issues which need picking up at the right stage of the future development process. The principle is to work with and design around the existing properties: respecting privacy and accesses and establishing landscape buffers where possible between new and existing homes.
One Baldock

4.

You said …

An ecologically valuable area which has the potential for increased sustainable active travel priority.

We did …

We are proposing to make existing roads such as Bygrave Road better for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. This also enables us to enhance the habitats along the road side.

Helping you get about

5.

You said …

This area is of ecological interest and is also valued as an open space by residents.

We did …

This is an important place which people enjoy walking through and want to retain – even though everyone had different names for it! It has also become home to important insects and birds, so we have ensured it remains green space in the plans. We have also explored the history of this location, and propose that we name it ‘Spital Hill’, drawing on the old hospital which was in this area.
A greenway for Baldock

6.

You said …

The new development should respect and complement existing properties on the edge of Baldock.

We did …

Our discussions with those living on the boundaries of the new development have varied depending on the location and current and future views/neighbours. We will establish character areas which will explain how the boundaries between new and existing homes will be designed: the spaces between buildings and gardens, what planting might go there, and the design of the new homes. We are not proposing large areas of land between the existing and new homes, as we are looking to create one Baldock where the new development integrates well with the existing, but we will find ways that ensure privacy is protected, and landscape design reduces the negative impact of losing views.
One Baldock

7.

You said …

Some responses supported the existing single point of entry here whilst others wanted to see more access points. Support for better connections to be made with green routes and recreational spaces.

We did …

We have developed key principles to ensure our approaches to transport reduce the risk of increased car trips through the roads, and improve the opportunities for existing residents to use improved cycling and walking routes, and better bus services to get to town and connect to wider amenities.

Helping you get about

8.

You said …

Desire to retain this area as an open space, increase access and bring the heritage of the area to life.

We did …

We recognise the importance of Walls Field to residents and heritage partners, and have evolved plans to ensure this area remains as open green space, with opportunities for a wildflower and grassland setting, heritage information displays and light touch play facilities which reflect the historic setting.

A greenway for Baldock

9.

You said …

Existing facilities are already at capacity. Need for increased healthcare provision with new homes and residents.

We did …

Discussions continue to support the existing medical centre and explore timings for a new centre within the development, south of the railway line, so it can be easily accessible by as many people as possible. We will explore the services to be delivered and finalise timings and approach in the next few months.

One community; one future

10.

You said …

High Street is well loved but is felt to need improvements such as better cycle provision and more support for local retailers.

We did …

The importance of the town centre and the need to strengthen it is clear, and the approach set out today supports improving access to the town centre for all Baldock residents, including for the new homes. It is important that new facilities complement and do not compete with facilities in the town, and make the High Street and surrounding roads better for people to spend time or walk and cycle around.

One community; one future

11.

You said …

A valued community asset. New development should plan for increased secondary school provision.

We did …

The principle set out today is for one secondary school for Baldock to enhance the strong and well loved reputation of Knights Templar. To ensure it has space to grow, we have explored 3 options for locations for the new larger school, which we present today for thoughts, as we finalise the plans with the education authorities.

One community; one future

12.

You said …

A source of significant congestion issues and currently a poor environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

We did …

The proposal is to rework the junction and the wider network, to keep more through traffic out of the centre of Baldock and reduce the number of directions you can travel via the junction. This will discourage “through traffic” vehicles from coming through the junction and the town centre and enable a safer design for those walking and cycling.

Helping you get about

13.

You said …

In need of improvements including platform extensions, lift installation and improved access from the north.

We did …

We have drawn on the feedback to explore options that prioritise more inclusive access to the station for wheelchair users, and better access for walking and cycling from the northeast corner of the station, to make traffic flow better through and around the station. We will not put more parking at the station, as we want people to walk, cycle or catch a bus to the station. We are working with Network Rail to explore station improvements.

Helping you get about

14.

You said …

Road is currently narrow and dangerous. Future designs should prioritise pedestrians and cyclists.

We did …

We are looking at bold measures which take traffic routing through Baldock away from needing to use North Road and making it more of a local route. This will see traffic management put in place and the width reduced to one car lane, controlled by traffic lights, with the rest of the road providing a safe cycle and walking route through to the station and town centre.

Helping you get about