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.
Subject to approval by Councillors, the proposed submission Local Plan will be published before being submitted for independent examination.
Why does Hertsmere need a Local Plan?
Every council needs an up-to-date Local Plan. It is a statutory requirement. Without one, we lose the ability to control where building happens.
It 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 local places and environments 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.
A Local Plan allows us to take a planned approach, considering homes, transport, schools, health facilities, jobs, open spaces and other infrastructure together across the borough.
You said. We listened.
Around 6,000 individual and template responses were received during the Regulation 18 consultation.
Those responses, together with updated technical evidence, have helped shape the proposed submission Local Plan.
When the Plan is published, we will explain how local feedback has informed the approach now being taken forward.
What is Regulation 19, the next stage of the Local Plan process?
During Regulation 18, we asked for views on the options and proposals that could form part of the Local Plan. We have considered those responses and are now publishing the plan that the Council will submit for independent examination.
At the Regulation 19 stage, representations should focus on whether the Local Plan has been prepared in accordance with legal requirements and whether it is sound. Representations should set out what amendments, if any, are necessary to make the Plan sound. They will be forwarded to the Inspector, who will consider them as part of the examination.
Subject to approval by the Council, details of how to view the Local Plan and submit representations will be published on this website.
What happens after Regulation 19?
Once the Regulation 19 publication period closes, we will review the representations received before submitting the Local Plan, supporting evidence and representations to the Secretary of State for independent examination.
An independent Planning Inspector will then 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 their 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 in a position to adopt the Local Plan.