Local Plan (New) Evidence Base

We are undertaking a number of studies and surveys to gather information for our new Local Plan.
Government guidance requires the policies in Local Plans to be based upon sound evidence. Here you can find out about the studies we have undertaken to meet this requirement, which fall under the following headings:

• Housing
• Employment
• Retail
• Infrastructure
• Environment
• Communities

Housing

Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA)

The Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) forms part of our evidence base to inform the new Local Plan.

We are responsible for preparing and keeping up-to-date a SHLAA to inform future plan making in Hertsmere. The document includes an assessment of potential sites and locations for housing and provides a picture of the quantity and timing of future housing supply over the next 15 years.  

It is used to inform our planning policies and choices on specific allocations of land for development. However, the SHLAA is a technical study and has no policy status in allocating land for development or on the decisions we make on individual planning applications.

Notification of SHLAA Sites

The SHLAA is kept under annual review to keep up-to-date about where development potential may exist and may contribute towards the creation of sustainable mixed communities.

If you want to bring potential housing sites to our attention so we can assess them for possible inclusion in the future, please complete our questionnaire:

SHLAA site questionnaire

Further Information and copies of documents

See our Main Report.
Copies are also available on CD or hard copies can be inspected at our main offices below.

For further information about the SHLAA and to obtain copies, please contact our Planning Policy Team.

Part 2 Site Assessment and Maps

Site Assessments - Borehamwood

Site Maps - Borehamwood

Site Assessments - Bushey, Aldenham & Patchetts Green

Site Maps - Bushey, Aldenham & Patchetts Green

Site Assessments - Elstree & Shenley

Site Maps - Elstree & Shenley

Site Assessments - Potters Bar

Site Maps - Potters Bar

Site Assessments - Radlett

Site Maps - Radlett

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Part 3 Supporting information

Stakeholder Engagement:

SHLAA Methodology (June, 2009)

Responses to Methodology

Minutes of the Stakeholder Workshop

Call for sites advert

Schedule of allocated/unallocated sites

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SHLAA update 2011

SHLAA update 2011 report

Appendix 1

Appendix 2

Appendix 3

Appendix 4

Appendix 5

Appendix 6

Appendix 7

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Viability study - Development Economics Study  

Strategic Housing Market Assessment

The Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) considers how the local housing markets operate and assesses housing need and demand in the area. The SHMA was produced in conjunction with us, Hertfordshire County Council, Dacorum Borough Council, St Albans District Council, Three Rivers District Council, Watford Borough Council and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, to consider the wider housing market.

Housing needs survey

We, along with Welwyn Hatfield District Council, jointly commissioned David Couttie Associates to examine the levels of housing demand and supply in each district.

Housing Needs Survey - Executive Summary (November 2005)

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Gypsy and Traveller accommodation needs survey

The Centre of Urban and Regional Studies at the University of Birmingham undertook an assessment of need for gypsy and traveller sites and pitches in 2005. This is a joint project between us, Hertfordshire County Council, Dacorum Borough Council, St Albans City and District Council, Three Rivers District Council and Watford Borough Council.

Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Survey - Executive Summary

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Identification of potential Gypsy and Traveller sites

Following the completion of the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Survey in April 2005, independent consultants were appointed to prepare a report on potential sites. A report by Scott Wilson was completed in September 2006.

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Hertfordshire / London arc - jobs growth and employment land

requirements for employment land, comprising factories, warehouses and offices, up to 2026. It follows up earlier work on the central Hertfordshire Employment Land Review. Roger Tym & Partners were commissioned to undertake this study in February 2008 by the district and borough councils of the Hertfordshire / London arc, comprising of us and Broxbourne, Dacorum, St Albans, Three Rivers, Watford and Welwyn Hatfield. Together with Brentwood and Epping Forest in Essex, these local authority areas make up the London arc sub-region, as defined in the current Regional Spatial Strategy, the East of England Plan.

Hertfordshire London Arc Jobs Growth and Employment Land Report  (March 2009)

Hertfordshire London Arc Jobs Growth and Employment Land Report - Appendices

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Central Hertfordshire - employment land review

We commissioned a joint report with Welwyn Hatfield District Council and St Albans City & District Council to analyse the quantity and quality of employment land in the borough. The work was undertaken by consultants Roger Tym & Partners and was completed in November 2006.

Central Hertfordshire Employment Land Review - Interim Report  (November 2006)

Central Hertfordshire Employment Land Review - Interim Report Executive Summary  (November 2006)

Central Hertfordshire Employment Lane Review - Update   (February 2007)

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Local significant employment sites

The purpose of the Local Significant Employment Sites study was to recommend sites currently in B, or physically similar Sui Generis, use for allocation as local significant employment sites in our Local Plan.

Local Significant Employment Sites: LDF Supporting Study - Explanatory Report  (October 2008)

Local Significant Employment Sites: LDF Supporting Study - Update Report  (September 2010)

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Employment site allocations report

The aim of this study was principally to assess the boundaries of allocated employment areas and make recommendations in respect of whether they should be altered before the sites are considered for reallocation. It also sought to recommend whether existing safeguarded employment land adjoining Potters Bar should be retained, and whether any additional land should be safeguarded, in addition to discussing alternative options.

Employment Site Allocations Report

Employment Site Allocations Report: Appendix 1

Employment Site Allocations Report: Appendix 2

Employment Site Allocations Report: Appendix 3

Employment Site Allocations Report: Appendix 4

Employment Site Allocations Report: Addendum

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Retail topic paper  

The topic paper set out the existing evidencee base regarding the retail needs assessments that covers Hertsmere, but have been prepared by authorities that adjoin Hertsmere. This justifies our position regarding the informed decision not to allocate any major retail sites itself and the choice not to undertake an additional full retail needs / capacity assessment.

Retail Topic Paper August 2009

Retail Topic Paper Appendices

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Town centres and shopping study

This study evaluates the health of the six existing town and district centres and provides guidance to help us in the evaluation and assessment of planning applications and proposals for retail development within our borough in the future.

Town Centres and Shopping Study (July 2008)

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The Hertfordshire Infrastructure and Investment Strategy Study (HIIS)

HIIS Final Technical Report
HIIS Transport Technical Report

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Infrastructure topic paper

This paper sets out details of what physical, social and green infrastructure is needed to facilitate the development proposed in the Core Strategy DPD, future infrastructure providers and timescales for provision.

Infrastructure Topic Paper (January 2012)

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Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

We have a Level 1 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, undertaken in accordance with Planning Policy Statement 25. The work was completed in May 2008.

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment - Final Report

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment - Appendix A

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment - Appendix B

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment - Appendix C

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment - Appendix D

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment - Appendix F

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment - Executive Summary

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment - Summary Map

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Green infrastructure plans

Green Infrastructure plans exist for Hertfordshire as a whole and for Hertsmere specifically. These provide an overview of existing assets; an assessment of the environmental, social and economic functions of green infrastructure; a consideration of opportunities for the enhancement and creation of green infrastructure, and potential projects; and, advice on taking any proposals forward.

GreenArc Strategic Green Infrastructure Plan (with Hertfordshire)

Hertsmere Borough Green Infrastructure Plan

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Open space study

We undertook an open space study in accordance with PPG 17.

Open Space Study (October 2011)

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Green Spaces Assessment

High quality green space has a positive impact on the urban environment. Green spaces of different sizes and types provide ‘green lungs’ to an urban area, assisting with nature conservation, biodiversity and improvements to air quality. The assessment looks at these aspects for future planning policy.