We are revising our Local Plan following the Government's announcement of increased housing delivery targets.
In December, the Government published a revised version of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which aims to simplify the planning process, enable new development opportunities and make social and affordable housing a priority.
The changes mean that across an 18-year period the housing target in the borough has increased from just over 13,000 new homes to more than 18,500. The Government has prioritised economic growth as its “number one mission”.
We are now required to revisit our draft Local Plan to reflect the changes, including devising a strategy to identify how building the number of houses now earmarked for Hertsmere can be achieved.
The Local Plan matters to all the borough’s communities as it maps out the strategy and vision for Hertsmere until at least 2043.
A draft Local Plan public consultation was held last year, focusing on housing and employment site allocations, and revisions that had been made since the previous consultation in 2021.
Later this month, councillors will debate a report setting out the new approach, together with a Local Development Scheme timeline showing how the evidence base and consultation process will be delivered to enable plans to be submitted to the Government for independent inspection.
Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Leader of the Council, said:
We are proposing to meet the growth challenge through massive investment in our major town centres in Borehamwood and Potters Bar. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive prosperity, employment and investment in our borough. Work to set out the outline economic case is already well under way.
"Last year’s Draft Local Plan consultation, and the work undertaken prior to that, remains incredibly valuable. Of course there will be further opportunities for local people to have their say.
"By optimising the use of public and privately-owned land on brownfield and grey belt sites we’ll be able to protect as much of our precious green belt as possible.
“By investing in regeneration on this scale we will further strengthen our borough to reflect the long-term needs and aspirations of our residents and businesses.”
Cllr Nik Oakley, the council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, Infrastructure and Transport, said:
We always want to make Hertsmere an even better and more sustainable place in which to live, work and visit. To do that, following the Government’s announcement, we must make sure our Local Plan evolves in the best way possible.
We, of course, remain committed to protecting as much of our borough’s Green Belt as possible. This isn’t just about building new homes in the right places for our growing population; it’s about building vibrant communities.
“Once again, I’d like to thank everybody who took the time to give their views as part of our consultation last year. We’ll need as many people as possible to give their views again once our refreshed plan is in place.”
Please keep an eye on our channels for more, as our revised Local Plan strategy continues to be developed, including how you can get involved.
