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DETAIL
The committee discussed this
application at a recent meeting and have asked I convey the
following points to you.
1. The Baldock Society Object
to this Application.
2. The entry point from
Whitehorse Street seems very restricted and "Highways" should be
consulted on it's suitability. The emergency services should
also be consulted over the access from the Whitehorse Street to
the site. This should also be viewed in the context of the "pedestrianisation"
of parts of the town centre under the Enhancement Schemes.
2. The proposals are, in our
opinion, too tall and dominate the surrounding buildings to an
unacceptable extent. The scale and massing of this proposal is
not in keeping with the yard or surrounding area. We think the
height must be restricted to two storey and the number of
dwellings reduced. The Yard is, by comparison, narrow for the
proposed height and will give an unsuitable balance of space and
building in the restricted area of the Yard.
3. The committee object to
the loss of the Barn, this is a long standing feature of
Tranters Yard and the demolition will degrade the historic
context of the Yard and surrounding area, as well as changing
the mixed nature of building types to the detriment of the
balance in design and materials.
5. The design does not seem
to enhance the street scene and adds little to the town's
richness in historical buildings. This is an important Yard and
as such should be developed in a way that is sympathetic to the
history of the area and the existing buildings in the area. The
design could be more inspiring, it could add to the conservation
area, but we are concerned this design will actually detracts
from it because of it's density and scale. It is a missed
opportunity to add something very special to the area that has
historic merits and is in the conservation area off one of the
main Historic Baldock streets so should strive to improve the
street scene. The historical richness of Whitehorse street
should be an integral part of the design context of this Yard.
6. Parking seems inadequate
throughout the site for the number of dwellings being proposed.
If the height restriction is implemented, this will reduce the
number of dwellings and restore the balance to an extent, but
not enough. While we acknowledge that government policy is
probably being met, the reality is that this level of
development will generate a significant number of vehicles and
these will be displaced around the surrounding area and add to
the general parking problems that exist within the town already.
This also conflicts with the proposals set by the Town Centre
Enhancement Scheme which is looking very closely at the parking
provision in the town, this will not help.
7. We do not object to
redevelopment of the yard, just this proposal.
8. A full Archaeological
excavation should be carried out due to the extensive richness
of Baldock's past, prior to any construction work being
undertaken.
Thank you for considering the
Baldock Society Committee views on this matter.
Kind regards,
Chairman
Baldock Society
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