Councillors have been delighted by the attendance to exhibitions across Hertsmere to discuss the Local Plan, with nearly 900 people attending the three events held so far. The latest phase of the engagement has been focused on potential housing and employment sites that have been put forward by landowners and developers for possible inclusion in Hertsmere’s new Local Plan.
Exhibitions have been held in Bushey, Potters Bar and Borehamwood, with further events taking place at Shenley Primary School on 21 November and the Radlett Centre on 22 November, both between 4pm and 8pm.
The Potters Bar event attracted almost 450 people, while the other two exhibitions both received more than 200 visitors each.
Conservative Councillor Dr Harvey Cohen, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Localism, said: “We have had a really good response from the public so far and this level of engagement will enable us to plan for development on the most appropriate sites in the borough.
“It is vital that we get this next stage of the Plan correct as we will be outlining the specific sites for development. Not all sites will need to be allocated and residents’ views will help us to decide which locations are the most appropriate.
“Hopefully we will be able to speak to many more members of the public during the forthcoming exhibitions.
“Residents should provide feedback through the council’s online consultation portal.”
Once finalised and adopted in 2021, this plan will outline where development should take place in the borough over the next 15 years.
Central government requires all councils to prepare a Local Plan which sets out how numbers of homes and jobs will be boosted in each local authority area.
The government is currently reviewing its forecast on how many homes will be needed here in Hertsmere, but it is expected that land for at least 500 new homes each year will be needed for the next 15 or more years.
Land will also be needed to provide new jobs, leisure space, community facilities and other infrastructure.
For more information about the process of developing Hertsmere Local Plan and the timescales involved, visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/newlocalplan