The first of seven public engagement events, to coincide with the ongoing Hertsmere Draft Local Plan consultation, is being held in Bushey on Tuesday (16 April 2024).
The engagement events, held borough-wide and all from 2.30pm to 8pm, are your chance to discuss the Draft Local Plan with our planning team and cabinet members, including Cllr Nik Oakley, our Portfolio Holder for Planning, Infrastructure and Transport.
The consultation, which is open until Wednesday 29 May 2024, is your opportunity to have your say on the future of Hertsmere, with the Local Plan important to our communities as it maps out the strategy and vision for the borough until 2040.
It focuses on a number of key areas, notably housing and employment site allocations, and the revisions that have been made since the previous consultation in 2021 – these include a 40 per cent reduction in the amount of Green Belt being lost and 9,400 new homes to meet our housing need - a fall of 22 per cent from the previous Draft Local Plan.
Following the opening event, which is being staged at The Bushey Centre, the next will be held at Shenley Park Chapel, Shenley, on Thursday 18 April before the schedule continues at Potters Bar (24 April), South Mimms (25 April), Radlett (1 May), Elstree (2 May) and ends at Borehamwood on Tuesday 7 May.
Cllr Oakley said: “We will welcome everyone to these events who would like to talk and hear about our Draft Local Plan, as it sets out our ambitions for green, sustainable growth to ensure Hertsmere continues to be strong and further thrive economically, as well as detailing how and where new homes, jobs and essential investment can be delivered, along with vital infrastructure like schools, health facilities and sustainable transport.
“For those with young children, we’re holding a ‘Your Future’ drawing competition for under-10s as part of the events. Children will be able to design how they would like their town or village to look in the future – special sheets will be available, as well as drawing materials, at every venue. After all of the events, a panel led by the Mayor of Hertsmere, Cllr Chris Myers, will judge the winners, and there will be vouchers as prizes for first, second and third place.”
You can find out more at our engagement events, which will be held at the following venues:
Tuesday 16 April: The Bushey Centre, Bushey.
Thursday 18 April: Shenley Park Chapel, Shenley.
Wednesday 24 April: Wyllyotts Centre, Potters Bar.
Thursday 25 April: South Mimms Village Hall, South Mimms.
Wednesday 1 May: The Radlett Centre, Radlett.
Thursday 2 May: Manor Hotel, Elstree.
Tuesday 7 May: Imperial Place (opposite Civic Offices), Borehamwood.
Hard copies of the Draft Local Plan, along with the Interim Sustainability Appraisal and comment forms, are available at a number of locations during the consultation period.
To take part in the consultation, which is open until midday on Wednesday 29 May 2024, please go to www.hertsmere.gov.uk/newlocalplan. You can also have your say by post by writing to Planning Policy, Hertsmere Borough Council, Civic Offices, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, WD6 1WA or by emailing local.plan@hertsmere.gov.uk.
Posted on Wednesday 10th April 2024