A public consultation on a new draft Local Plan for Hertsmere will be held for eight weeks from Wednesday 3 April to 29 May 2024.
The Local Plan matters to all the borough’s communities as it maps out the strategy and vision for Hertsmere until 2040.
At an Extraordinary Council meeting last night (20 March 2024), councillors agreed to publish the draft Local Plan which focuses on a number of key areas, notably housing and employment site allocations, and the revisions that have been made since the last consultation in 2021.
These revisions include a 40 per cent reduction in the amount of Green Belt land being lost and 9,500 new homes to meet our housing need - a fall of 22 per cent from the previous draft Local Plan.
Cllr Nik Oakley, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Infrastructure and Transport, said: “The Local Plan sets out our ambitions for green, sustainable growth to ensure Hertsmere continues to thrive economically, and details how and where new homes, jobs and essential investment can be delivered, along with required infrastructure like schools, health facilities and sustainable transport.
“As a new Administration, we are committed to protecting more of the borough’s Green Belt, by allocating fewer sites than were included in the previous draft Local Plan following your feedback in the 2021 public consultation.
“Please have your say when the consultation opens from 3 April. Once the consultation has ended, we will thoroughly review all responses before submitting our proposed final Local Plan to a public examination where it will be assessed by an independent inspector. You will also have an opportunity to comment on that plan ahead of the examination.”
Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Leader of the Council, added: “It’s important that as many people as possible have their say on this draft Local Plan, as it lays out the approach to all types of development within Hertsmere, including the delivery of new homes and employment sites while also implementing the necessary measures to protect and enhance the local environment.
“We’re committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 so, vitally, our final Local Plan will also outline how we will respond to the challenges of climate change and explain our approach to protecting and providing parks and green spaces.”
While the consultation is open, a number of engagement events will be held around the borough. For more information about these events and to take part in the consultation, which will be open from Wednesday 3 April until Wednesday 29 May 2024, please go to www.hertsmere.gov.uk/newlocalplan. You will also be able to have your say by post by writing to Planning Policy, Hertsmere Borough Council, Civic Offices, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, WD6 1WA and by emailing local.plan@hertsmere.gov.uk.
Posted on Thursday 21st March 2024