Hertsmere's New Local Plan
We are publishing a new Local Plan for Hertsmere. It will help shape where new homes, jobs, infrastructure and community facilities are provided, as well as the places and environments we want to protect.
Earlier this year, local residents, community groups, businesses and other organisations responded to our Regulation 18 consultation. Since then, we have reviewed those responses, considered updated evidence and refined the plan.
The Council has approved the version of the Local Plan known as a Regulation 19 Plan for publication. Following the six-week publication period, Full Council will receive an update for consideration before the Local Plan is submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination by a Planning Inspector.
You can read the plan and all supporting documentation, HERE.
Why does Hertsmere need a Local Plan?
Every council needs an up-to-date Local Plan. Without one, we have less control over where development takes place.
The Local Plan sets out how Hertsmere should develop in the years ahead, including where homes and employment should be located, what infrastructure will be needed and how valued local places should be protected.
The number of homes we are required to deliver is set by the government. Having an up-to-date Plan gives Hertsmere greater control over how this development takes place.
Without one, the Council has less influence over where development occurs and is more vulnerable to speculative planning applications and decisions being made through the planning appeals process, removing local control.
A Local Plan helps us plan positively for the future by bringing together housing, employment, transport, community facilities and infrastructure needs. It also supports efforts to attract businesses, create jobs, grow the local economy and ensure development is sustainable and environmentally responsible.
What is Regulation 19, the current stage?
Regulation 19 is the final publication stage prior to the proposed submission Local Plan, giving people an opportunity to make representations before the plan is submitted for independent examination.
At Regulation 19, representations should focus on whether the Local Plan has been prepared in accordance with the Government’s legal requirements and whether it is sound. Representations should identify any changes that are considered necessary to make the Plan sound.
View the Local Plan and make representations
The Regulation 19 publication period is now open, and runs until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday 19 November, 2026.
You can view the proposed submission Local Plan and supporting documents and submit representations online using the link below:
https://hertsmerelocalplan.commonplace.is/
Representations can also be made using the Council's representation form and submitted by email or post. Further details are provided in the publication documents and guidance notes.
Hard copies of the Local Plan can be found at the following locations:
- Civic Offices, Elstree Way, Borehamwood;
- Borehamwood Library, 96 Shenley Road, Borehamwood;
- Bushey Library, Sparrows Herne, Bushey;
- Oakmere Library (Potters Bar), High Street, Potters Bar;
- Wyllyotts Theatre, Wyllyotts Place, Potters Bar;
- Elstree & Borehamwood Town Council Office, Fairway Hall, Borehamwood;
- Aldenham Parish Council Office, Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett;
- Radlett Library, 1 Aldenham Ave, Radlett;
- Shenley Parish Council Office, 106 London Road, Shenley;
- South Mimms and Ridge Village Hall, Blanche Lane, South Mimms
What happens after Regulation 19?
Once the Regulation 19 period has concluded, the Local Plan will return to Full Council for further consideration of the responses, before any decision is taken to submit it to the Secretary of State for independent examination.
An independent Planning Inspector will examine the Plan to determine whether it has been prepared in accordance with legal requirements and whether it is sound.
The Inspector will consider the representations submitted during the Regulation 19 publication period and may contact representors to request further information or invite them to participate in public hearing sessions.
Following the examination, the Inspector will issue a report setting out the conclusions and any modifications that may be required to make the Plan sound. Subject to the outcome of the examination process, the Council will then be able to consider adopting the Local Plan.