You can have your say from today (3 April 2024) on the future of Hertsmere, with a public consultation on our new draft Local Plan now open until 29 May 2024.
The Local Plan matters to all of the borough’s communities as it maps out the strategy and vision for Hertsmere 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 revisions 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.
Cllr Nik Oakley, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Infrastructure and Transport, said: “It is vital that as many people as possible, in all communities across the borough, give their feedback on our draft Local Plan, as it sets out our ambitions for green, sustainable growth to ensure Hertsmere continues to flourish economically, and details how and where new homes, jobs and essential investment can be delivered, along with critical infrastructure like schools, health facilities and sustainable transport.
“We are committed to protecting more of the borough’s Green Belt, by allocating fewer sites than were included in the draft Local Plan from the previous administration.
“Once the consultation has closed late next month, we’ll review and take notice of all your responses before submitting our proposed final Local Plan to a public examination where it will be assessed by an independent inspector. You’ll also have an opportunity to comment on that plan ahead of the examination.”
Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Leader of the Council, added: “This draft Local Plan clearly shows our approach to all types of development, including the delivery of new homes and employment sites. It also lays out how we’ll implement the measures needed to protect and enhance the local environment. Our final Local Plan will outline how we will respond to the challenges of climate change and explain our approach to protecting and providing parks and green spaces.
“If you can, please take part in the consultation by giving your views as we’re committed to making Hertsmere an even better place in which to live and work.”
To take part in the consultation, which will be open for eight weeks until midday on Wednesday 29 May 2024, and for more information 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.
A number of engagement events are being held across the borough while the consultation is open, so please go along to find out more (all events 2.30pm to 8pm):
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.
Posted on Wednesday 3rd April 2024