Key document published to help shape Hertsmere

The council has published its ‘Core Strategy’ which sets out the overall vision for the borough for the next 15 years with policies for a number of key areas including housing, the environment, employment, transport and retail.

The Core Strategy is a complex document but through thorough assessment and consultation we have created a planning framework for:

• an attractive townscape and the protection of the rural  and historic environment
• meeting a range of local housing needs including the provision of affordable housing
• a safer environment
• providing health, education, leisure and other community facilities
• improving economic development, training and employment opportunities

Once the plan is adopted, it will be the main reference document for assessing planning applications.
Mark Silverman, Policy and Transport Manager at Hertsmere Borough Council, said: "All councils have to develop a Core Strategy to help guide town planning and development in the local area.  

"We want local people to be aware of it as it will be the main point of reference for officers and councillors when assessing planning applications up to 2027."

Residents, developers, town and parish councils, residents’ associations and other local and national interest groups are invited to look at the document prior to it being submitted to the Government early next year.  At this stage of the process, feedback on the document can only be accepted via a formal response form which asks whether the document is legally ‘sound’ i.e. whether the Core Strategy is in accordance with national policy and whether the options for development are justified.  Any response forms received will be passed to a government inspector who will consider the document and response forms on behalf of the Secretary of State.
 
A draft of the strategy went out for consultation in February and comments submitted then have been incorporated into the latest version of the plan, along with other updates.
 
The revised Core Strategy, supporting documents and the online response form are online or you can see hard copies at the following places:
 
Borehamwood
Civic Offices, Elstree Way
Library, Elstree Way
 
Bushey
Area Office, The Bushey Centre, High Street
Library, Sparrows Herne
 
Potters Bar
Area Office, Wyllyotts Centre, Darkes Lane
Oakmere Library, High Street
 
Radlett
Aldenham Parish Council, The Radlett Centre, Aldenham Avenue
Library, Aldenham Avenue

Response forms must be submitted by 9 January.