Bid to boost Borehamwood

Planning controls in Borehamwood town centre could be relaxed in a bid to get the local economy moving.

Nationally pots of money can be bid for for special projects and Hertsmere is hoping to get funding to become a pilot authority to trial a new scheme.

Cllr Hannah David, portfolio holder for planning, explained: "We are currently bidding for government funds to become a pilot authority for a Local Development Order in Borehamwood.

“This means that if an LDO was introduced, subject to public consultation, this would potentially relax some planning controls in the town centre as a way of stimulating investment."

At the moment planning controls mean that planning permission is required for anything from a new shop front or improvements to the front of an office block, to the change of use of a tanning salon into a retail unit. A relaxation of some controls could help existing businesses, as well as encouraging new businesses into the town centre.

“We see this as a positive move towards trying to build investment in the town and help boost local economy," added Cllr David.

The council has asked for up to £15,000 to prepare an LDO and undertake full public consultation and should find out whether it is successful by the end of June.