Baldock Set for Major Expansion with 70% Population Increase
The historic market town of Baldock in Hertfordshire is poised for significant growth after a 3,200-home development received outline planning permission. The project, led by Urban&Civic in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council, will see the town's population rise by up to 70%.
The development will occupy 527 acres of land east of the town centre and include a range of facilities, such as 42 acres of employment space, 214 acres of open space, two primary schools, a secondary school, leisure facilities, shops, and a health hub. The first phase of the project, comprising 250 homes, is expected to begin next year, with the first residents moving in by 2028 and the employment area ready around 2030.
Supporters of the project, including Hertfordshire County Council, believe it will bring jobs, improved infrastructure, and new community facilities to the area. Urban&Civic's development manager, Kitty Eyre, stated that the project is the result of years of collaboration with the local community and will create a "one Baldock" vision.
However, opponents have raised concerns about the potential impact on the town's historic character, parking near Ashwell and Morden stations, and increased car dependency in surrounding villages. Graham Lee, a resident of Ashwell, expressed worries that the development could lead to reduced usage of Baldock Station and retail outlets, while Andrew Wheen, representing the village of Bygrave, called for a reconsideration of plans for a large sports park, citing concerns about car dependency and inadequate parking provision.
Despite these concerns, the developers have committed to ongoing engagement with the wider Baldock community and have stated that they will continue to work with residents to address their concerns. The project is expected to take at least 15 years to complete, with the biggest phase of construction taking place to the north-east of the town.
