Baldock councillors are encouraging people to come along to Saturday’s public meeting to discuss the future of housing in the town.

Baldock councillors are encouraging people to come along to Saturday’s public meeting to discuss the future of housing in the town.

With the consultation period for North Herts District Council’s preferred option sites for future development set to close next Friday, February 6, time is running out if you want to have your say.

Nine sites making up 3,414 houses have been allocated to be built in and around Baldock, including one of 2,800 homes at the Blackhorse Farm site to the north of the town.

The number earmarked for the market town is part of the council’s draft Local Plan, which sets out plans to build 14,000 homes across the district by 2031.

Councillor John Harris, speaking on behalf of Baldock councillors, said: “We invite you to come along and talk to us about how you can be part of the consultation process and make a difference.

“I’s your chance to have a say on the future of our magnificent market town and the surrounding area.

“We look forward to meeting you all on Saturday.”

The meeting will include a short explanation of the preferred options plan document by a member of Baldock Society.

A Baldock Society spokesman said: “The proposed distribution of development is not only unfair to Baldock, but also extremely unbalanced – it would not deliver the most housing in the places where it is most needed.

“The scale of housing proposed for Baldock would be extremely damaging to the character of the town.

“Baldock is a place of great historical importance and has a strong community spirit.

“Doubling its size risks destroying the things that make Baldock special.

“The major development proposed at Blackhorse Farm would be particularly damaging due to its landscape harm, traffic impact and impact on the Ivel Springs local nature reserve and wildlife site.

“Remember to getBaldock your responses to the council by Friday – this isn’t a done deal and it is worthwhile writing in.”

Immediately after the 10am meeting at Baldock Community Centre there will be a protest march organised by Save Rural Baldock campaigners.

Marchers are asked to gather at the community centre at about 11.30am, ahead of the midday start which will take in the High Street, Pinnocks Lane, Clothall Road and Whitehorse Street.

The results of the consultation period will be fed into the next version of the Local Plan.

l For more on Local Plan issues turn to page 7.