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DETAIL
This application was
discussed at our committee meeting last night and the members
raised a number of concerns they would like you to consider.
These are:
1. Loss of employment area. We assume this will
require a change of use from employment to residential. We are
concerned that Baldock is loosing some of it's employment zone
which would be against current trends of creating areas where
people can live and work and reduce their impact on the
environment. Baldock is now heading towards being a "dormitory"
town and a centre for commuting, this we see as threat to the
viability of business within the town. We object to the loss of
the employment area.
2. Parking and Access. As you are aware, Baldock is
suffering from excessive car parking and this area is about the
worst in the town, Icknield Way in particular. Although we
acknowledge that one space per dwelling is allocated, it is our
opinion that the surrounding streets will be stressed even
further for parking spaces. A reduction in the number of
dwellings and an increase in "on-site" parking is the only way
forward. We also consider access from this site, to be
exacerbating the already problematic traffic movements along
Icknield Way. If this additional number of cars is to be
considered, it must be in the context of doing something about
the problems that exist and this development should bare the
costs of such improvements.
3. Design/Materials. Should this development have to be
allowed, we would encourage a more sympatric exterior treatment.
This is on the edge of the conservation area, near many
different types of housing and industrial units, of varying
ages. The design should embrace these differences to unify the
area, the materials should be in keeping with the historic
nature of the conservation area and the landscaping should allow
some community space. The proposed design is monolithic,
uninteresting and with mass car parking at the front off
Farriers Close it will look institutional. It would be
preferable to have a design that attempts to integrate into the
existing street scene, adds quality architectural features and
enhances the area. The scale does not integrate with the
surrounding housing units, it is too large a block. The
extensive use of reclaimed materials will soften the harshness
of modern "red brick" design, the use of traditional metal
guttering and down pipes would integrate with the traditions of
the conservation area and tarmac should not be allowed anywhere
on the site, a more traditional surface finish should be
considered that is more in keeping with the materials being
considered for the Town Centre Enhancements. The scale does not
integrate with the surrounding housing units, it is too large a
block. The boundary treatment will also impact the street scene
and requires careful high quality design. It looks like a modern
office block, more suited to a commercial park than an "Historic
Market Town" which brings us onto the next point.
4. Mixed Use. Again, should this development have to be
granted, we would prefer to see some imaginative design to allow
for mixed use, such as 50% office space and 50% residential.
This would maintain the levels of employment and allow some
residential use. We would see this as a positive compromise
providing the design is suitable.
5. NHDC Local Development Plan. This area, we understand,
is not designated for residential use and NHDC should stay with
their plan.
6. Other Matters. Archaeology, Safety by Design,
consultation with HCC Highways, Emergency and Waste Vehicle
Access, Utility Provision (we assume this will mean the new
surface of Icknield Way being dug up again!), carbon footprint
(will the site have renewable energy?) etc., will think the
Council are best qualified to consider.
Thank you for considering our views.
Kind regards,
Chairman
Baldock Society
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