Statement of Community Involvement FAQs
This section contains answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about the Statement of Community Involvement.
The planning system is changing. So how will it affect you?
In 2004 changes were made by the Government to the planning system that were designed to create more opportunities for you to become involved. As a result we will be producing a series of documents that will set out the strategy for future land use and developments within the Borough. These will be used as the basis for deciding planning applications
The first of these documents is a Core Strategy, which sets out the strategic vision and objectives for the Borough, such as how the need for new homes or community facilities will be met.
What is the Statement of Community Involvement?
These new planning documents will shape your Borough and we need you to tell us what is important to you.
We would like to give Hertsmeres community the opportunity to become more involved in making the decisions that will shape the Boroughs future. To achieve this we have produced for consultation a Statement of Community Involvement (SCI). This Statement contains ideas for how you can get involved. These range from sending you leaflets, putting adverts in the local newspapers, inviting you to meetings or holding local exhibitions in places near you.
We want to know what is right for you. Do you have any particular needs that we need to consider when consulting you, such as providing documents in your language, or do you need documents on audio-tape or in large print, or are you unable to travel far and need us to bring the information to you? Whatever your needs we need to know about them in order for us to make sure we are providing as many people as possible the chance to get involved.
How can I get involved in planning applications?
The SCI also sets out how we will consult you when there is a proposed development near where you live. We usually send letters to residents who live immediately next door to a proposed development, but occasionally we will send letters to more people if we think there is a wide interest in the scheme. For applications that propose large developments, or those in conservation areas or affecting a listed building we will place adverts in the local newspapers and put notices around the site.
Where can I find out more information?
The Statement of Community Involvement 
will be available in all local libraries and council offices. You can also call the Council on 020 8207 7583. All comments on the Statement must be sent to us in writing to the address below. Everyone who sends us comments will be put into our database. While your personal information will be kept confidential all comments will be made publicly available. You can request to be told about the later stages of the process, or about the other documents we will soon be producing.
For more information, contact:
Planning Policy Team
Hertsmere Borough Council
Elstree Way
Civic Offices
Borehamwood
Herts
WD6 1WA
E-mail: local.plan@hertsmere.gov.uk
Phone: 020 8207 7583
Fax: 020 8207 7444