Plans to build up to 3,200 new homes in Baldock, potentially increasing the town's housing stock by almost 70%, have taken a major step forward after councillors backed the largest planning application ever considered in North Hertfordshire.

North Herts Council's Planning Control Committee resolved to grant permission for the major development following a meeting on Thursday (22 October).

The proposals, submitted by Urban & Civic and Hertfordshire County Council, include new schools, a community centre, business space, open spaces and transport infrastructure.

With Baldock currently estimated to have around 4,700 households, the addition of 3,200 homes would represent an increase of approximately 68% in the town's housing stock, taking the total to around 7,900 homes.

The development forms a central part of North Herts Council's adopted Local Plan and represents one of the most significant expansions of a town in the district's recent history.

As part of the proposals, developers will be required to provide more than £75 million in financial contributions towards local infrastructure and services.

The scheme also includes a minimum of 480 affordable homes, representing 15% of the proposed 3,200 properties, alongside substantial new open spaces and improvements to Baldock railway station.

Nigel Smith, Director for Place at North Herts Council, said: "The committee has resolved to grant planning permission for the largest scheme the district has ever considered, which includes 3,200 homes as well as schools, a new community centre, land for businesses to operate, open spaces and transport infrastructure.

"Growing Baldock is a central part of the council's adopted Local Plan, and this decision is an important milestone towards delivering the scheme.

"It secures significant mitigation, including more than £75 million in financial contributions from developers, a minimum of 480 affordable homes, substantial open spaces, and improvements to Baldock railway station that will benefit the wider community."

However, the council has indicated that it wants to see more affordable housing delivered as the development progresses.

Anthony Roche, Chief Executive at North Herts Council, said: "North Herts Council will continue working with Urban & Civic, Hertfordshire County Council, the local community and other partners as the scheme progresses to build on this important foundation.

"The decision requires Urban & Civic to keep the scheme under review so we can explore opportunities to increase the number of affordable homes that are delivered.

"We will continue to push Urban & Civic to deliver the best possible development, for the benefit of current and future residents."

Although councillors have voted in favour of the proposals, formal planning permission has not yet been issued.

The decision remains subject to the completion of a legal agreement between Urban & Civic, North Herts Council and Hertfordshire County Council.

This agreement will secure commitments relating to affordable housing, new schools and other infrastructure, as well as financial contributions towards highway improvements and sustainable transport projects.

The scale of the proposed expansion is likely to raise important questions about the impact on local roads, schools, healthcare provision and other services as Baldock grows over the coming years.

Residents can view the application through North Herts Council's planning portal using reference 25/02571/OP.