You said we did November
This page summarises the outcomes of the November consultation: sharing consultation comments and responses.
Consultation comments and responses
Transport
You said …
Transport was a leading area of focus, both through the events, and within comments made online. We shared detailed proposals of traffic interventions and changes, which gave the opportunity for residents to consider specific impacts based on their local knowledge. These comments have provided fresh insight to support our review of some of the proposals, with improved understanding of potential consequences. Whilst roads dominated this topic, there were also several comments made on the need for improvements to the train station, more capacity on trains and the lack of bus services and connections to necessary destinations, including Stevenage hospital.
We did …
We have held follow up meetings with residents of the Football Close and Icknield Way area to better understand their access requirements and thoughts on possible solutions to the traffic congestion in that area.
We have attended meetings with Radwell, Ashwell and Bygrave village residents to discuss and better understand existing transport issues and the potential impact of the changes we are proposing.
Discussions continue with Network Rail about opportunities to improve access to the station.
We continue to work with the local transport authority to review and finesse our transport strategy and await the launch of a new modelling programme to run through the proposed scenarios.
Education
You said …
Education was the second most commented on area with the highest number focusing on the options presented for secondary education provision. Whilst some alternative solutions were made, the majority of responses supported the idea of one school for Baldock. There was a preference for locating the new school on BA3 if relocation was required, with some concerns that the existing roads could be overwhelmed with the additional traffic this would bring.
We did …
We have been working with the Local Education Authority (HCC), the District Council (NHDC) and the leadership team at Knights Templar School to find a solution for the secondary school.
Whilst we don’t have a definitive solution to this question yet, we expect to be able to share more details in early 2025.
Public rights of way and green infrastructure
You said …
The need for good quality architecture and design to integrate new homes visually with existing properties.There were a number of supportive comments for the Baldock Greenway and improved pedestrian and cycling provision generally. A number of Baldock Allotment and Leisure Gardeners Association (BALGA) members commented positively on the proposed increased provision of allotments.
We did …
Survey work has continued to help us better understand local ecology and existing green spaces. We have met with BALGA and visited their shop to discuss their access and space requirements.
We have been working on how we can improve cycling and walking opportunities for residents and conversations with NHDC on public rights of way and green infrastructure have continued.
Healthcare
You said …
Over five percent of comments were about the provision of healthcare with a consensus that more was needed. It was highlighted that any new location should consider the mobility of those using the service and provide adequate parking and access by public transport if it was moved out of the town.
We did …
We have held further meetings with the surgery and the local Integrated Care Board (ICB) to understand the current capacity constraints and to plan out the timings and detail of the new provision needed
Design workshops are planned to finalise this and agree the process for securing the future plans within the Outline planning application.
Housing
You said …
This area is of ecological interest and is also valued as an open space by residents.Another five percent of comments were linked to housing provision, including the need for a high level of affordable housing with a good mix of property types to include bungalows and larger family homes. New homes should be specified to maximise their environmental performance.
We did …
We don’t have any more information to share on this yet but have noted the need for a mix of property types and affordable housing.
Water and the River Ivel
You said …
Water and the River Ivel still received 21 comments but this was less than the fifty comments received in March. The focus was still predominantly on water extraction and sewage capacity, but with acknowledgement that we had taken RevIvel’s points seriously from our interim engagement with them.
We did …
The views shared supported the draining modelling work we have done to recharge the aquifer through drainage, looking to minimise water use and maximise water reuse in the later stages of the development.
We are also working with Project Zero to pilot innovative schemes for water efficiency in homes and through encouraging behaviour change as well as through on site water capture and recycling to minimise mains use.
Other topics
You said …
Other topics with a handful of comments included the need for more policing, a larger cemetery and a splash pad. There were also a number of Ashwell residents who noted their concerns about reduced access to Baldock, particularly the train station by both car and bike. The need for Ashwell to remain in the Knights Templar catchment area was also highlighted.
We did …
All comments and concerns have been noted and will continue to feed into our discussions and plans for Growing Baldock.