Hertsmere Borough Council would like to thank everyone who took part in the recent Regulation 18 consultation on initial proposals for the borough’s new Local Plan.
A total of 6374 responses were received during the consultation, demonstrating a high level of interest in the future of the borough.
Of the above, 6260 representations were from members of the public with the largest proportion being submitted as templated responses relating to specific issues and locations across the borough (4326 submitted via email, and 688 submitted as physical letters). The council's consultation platform received 1246 representations. The total of unique non-template responses received was 1641.
Submissions made by landowners, planning professionals, community organisations and statutory consultees amounted to 144 responses.
The consultation, which closed on 29 May, invited residents, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders to share their views on a range of early proposals and options that will help shape Hertsmere’s future development over the coming years.
Residents, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders took part in the consultation through a range of channels. Those attending public information events were able to speak directly with council officers and Councillor Nik Oakley, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Infrastructure and Transport, while others engaged by reviewing the consultation materials and submitting responses through the online consultation platform, by email or by letter. This flexible approach helped ensure that as many people as possible had the opportunity to have their say.
The Local Plan is one of the most important documents produced by the council. Once adopted, it will help guide decisions on future housing, employment, infrastructure, community facilities, environmental protection and other forms of development across the borough.
Council officers have begun the process of reviewing and analysing all responses received. Feedback from the consultation will be considered alongside the council’s evidence base, national planning policy and other relevant information to help inform the next stage of plan preparation.
The responses received will help the council better understand local priorities, concerns and aspirations as work continues on the emerging Local Plan. This will ensure that community views are taken into account as proposals are refined and developed.
Following further technical work, the council expects to publish the proposed submission version of the Local Plan later this year. This next stage, known as Regulation 19, is a formal publication stage before the plan is submitted for independent examination. Residents and stakeholders will still be able to make representations, but the focus will be on whether the proposed plan is evidence-based, has been prepared correctly and meets national planning requirements, rather than on identifying new options for development.
The council would like to thank everyone who took the time to participate in the consultation and contribute to shaping the future of Hertsmere.
Updates on the Local Plan process will continue to be published on the council’s website: www.hertsmere.gov.uk/newlocalplan