How could thousands of new homes affect market town?

A historic market town could see its population rise by as much as 70% after plans for up to 3,200 new homes were approved.

As well as new houses, the Growing Baldock project promises employment, leisure and education facilities.

Opponents say it will ruin a historic town and affect life in nearby villages.

But the developers say they are committed to consulting with the wider Baldock community "in a positive and collaborative way". So what will it mean for those who live there?

The biggest building project Baldock has seen for many years is being led by the developer, Urban&Civic, in partnership with the landowner, Hertfordshire County Council.

It will occupy 527 acres (213 hectares) of land to the east of the town.

If all 3,200 homes are built, the housing stock would increase by about 70%.

The scheme will also include:

• 42 acres (17 hectares) of employment space
• 214 acres (87 hectares) of open space
• two primary schools
• one secondary school
• leisure facilities
• shops
• a health hub

The project was given outline planning permission by North Hertfordshire councillors on Thursday.

Kitty Eyre, the development manager at Urban&Civic, said it was an "important milestone" for the project.

She said: "[It] is the result of several years of detailed work and, most importantly, conversations with the people who know Baldock best."

Graham Lee, from the village of Ashwell, told councillors that proposals for contraflows on main roads could "reduce usage of Baldock Station and retail outlets".

He said he was worried about the effect on Ashwell and Morden railway station, where commuters already park on nearby roads, verges and paths.

He said: "If Baldock is more difficult to access then traffic from certainly the northern villages will be tempted to use Ashwell as their station to commute."

Andrew Wheen, representing the village of Bygrave, called for plans for a big sports park to be reconsidered. He said "concentrating facilities on the rural edge encourages car dependency". He also felt parking provision was inadequate.

Rona Cameron, the Labour councillor for Baldock East, said the project would "disrupt the lives of Baldock residents with no benefit to any of us".

She said: "There's no guaranteed new-build secondary school, a tiny amount of houses for social rent, and Bygrave will be swallowed up in one huge urbanisation."

The developers said engagement with the community will continue even though outline permission has now been granted.

Eyre said: "From the outset, the ambition has been to create one Baldock.

"The planning decision gives us the opportunity to turn that ambition into delivery, providing new homes and jobs alongside investment in the infrastructure, green spaces and community facilities that a growing town needs."

Chris Lucas, the county council's executive member for resources, said the council had worked in partnership with Urban&Civic to develop the plans.

He said: "We want this investment to create lasting benefits, from education and transport to employment opportunities and high-quality green spaces."

James Scott from Urban&Civic told councillors that the 15% of affordable housing included in the project might increase if housing grants become available.

Now outline planning permission has been granted, detailed applications for specific parts of the scheme will be submitted for approval. It will take at least 15 years to complete the development.

Construction is expected to start next year on the first phase, comprising 250 homes to the south-east of Baldock

The biggest phase of the project will then take place to the north-east of Baldock, with construction traffic using a purpose-built access off North Road.

The first primary school will be built alongside this phase and the first residents are expected to move in during 2028.

The employment land is scheduled to be ready by around 2030.

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