A parish council has slammed plans for new homes in Baldock that are ‘grossly unfair’ to the community.

Bygrave Parish Council is claiming that the proposed building of 3,591 new homes, including a new settlement of 2,800 dwellings at the Blackhorse Farm site north of Baldock, is ‘unworkable’.

Draft housing allocations for North Herts District Council’s Local Plan were unveiled last month, covering the district’s need for 12,100 homes over the period up until 2031.

Councillor Janine Paterson, chair of Bygrave Parish Council, said: “North Herts District Council’s plans are important to manage the need for homes and economic generation for the region, but its proposed sites in Baldock are unworkable.

“The allocation of 30 per cent of what is considered necessary to provide for the future in Baldock is grossly unfair to the resident community.

“Instead of allowing building developments on greenbelt land, threatening the livelihoods and homes of those farming prime agricultural land, and creating a new settlement in direct competition to the businesses in Baldock, the council should be looking at the obvious development sites, like the land to the west of the A1(M) at Stevenage, which is almost ready-made for these houses.

“We support the council’s plans in general and are happy to work with them to ensure a fairer solution to support the county’s growing population.”

Following the meeting of full council on November 27, the council will be seeking feedback on the draft Local Plan preferred options, and are encouraging everyone to have their say.