October 2022: Consultation on Joint Strategic Plan
This is your chance to comment on our South West Hertfordshire 2050 consultation - ‘Realising our Potential’. This document sets out our draft vision and objectives for South West Herts to 2050.
You can view the document in full via the link below:
You can comment on the particular issues that matter to you, or on the whole document. Every comment matters.
You have until 5pm on Friday 4th November 2022 to let them know what you think.
You can view the document in full via the link below:
You can comment on the particular issues that matter to you, or on the whole document. Every comment matters.
You have until 5pm on Friday 4th November 2022 to let them know what you think.
15th February 2022: EBGBS Letter to HBC regarding the Draft Local Plan
Chair of EBGBS Ann Goddard has written to HBC and Oliver Dowden MP to explain our thoughts on the shelving of the Draft Local Plan and the way forward.
Click here to read the letter.
Chair of EBGBS Ann Goddard has written to HBC and Oliver Dowden MP to explain our thoughts on the shelving of the Draft Local Plan and the way forward.
Click here to read the letter.
27th October 2022: Hertsmere Call for Sites
The following letter was sent out by the HBS Local Plan Team as part of the Local Plan process. We are sharing this for information only.
From: Local Plan <Local.Plan@hertsmere.gov.uk>
Sent: Thursday, October 27, 2022 12:01 pm
To: Local Plan <Local.Plan@hertsmere.gov.uk>
Subject: Call for Sites 2022
Dear Sir/Madam,
We are seeking to identify sites for sustainable development to inform the preparation of our new Local Plan and are writing to you in order to ask your help in promoting our Call for Sites.Earlier this year, we decided to set aside the current version of our draft Local Plan following a period of extensive public engagement in 2021. Technical work is now underway on a new version of the plan, which can guide development and influence how the borough changes over the next 15 years.
One of the main themes which emerged from the public engagement on the draft Local Plan were concerns around the level of green belt development proposed and a need to focus development on previously developed (brownfield) land.
To assist us in considering additional sites for residential and economic development, in particular, we are contacting landowners and other stakeholders who may wish to promote further land for development. We are particularly keen to receive information about available previously developed land.
We are also looking to identify sites that could be suitable for Biodiversity Net Gain, Carbon Offsetting, flood risk management and other green and blue infrastructure to support sustainable growth. This will support our Interim Planning Policy Statement on Climate as well as our draft guidance on Biodiversity Net Gain, Carbon Offsetting and Sustainable Transport & Parking, which were recently issued for public consultation.
Potential development sites which are submitted through this Call for Sites will be assessed as part of a review of our Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA), a detailed technical report which was previously issued in 2019. Inclusion of a site in the report does not mean that it will be allocated for development or that planning permission would automatically be granted if an application were made.
More information can be found on the call for sites page of our website including our HELAA methodology. Submissions to our call for sites or on the HELAA methodology must be received by 12pm on 22 December 2022, by email.
If you require any further information, please contact local.plan@hertsmere.gov.uk
Local Plan team
Hertsmere Borough Council | Civic Offices | Elstree Way | Borehamwood | Herts | WD6 1WA
t: 020 8207 2277
email: local.plan@hertsmere.gov.uk
From: Local Plan <Local.Plan@hertsmere.gov.uk>
Sent: Thursday, October 27, 2022 12:01 pm
To: Local Plan <Local.Plan@hertsmere.gov.uk>
Subject: Call for Sites 2022
Dear Sir/Madam,
We are seeking to identify sites for sustainable development to inform the preparation of our new Local Plan and are writing to you in order to ask your help in promoting our Call for Sites.Earlier this year, we decided to set aside the current version of our draft Local Plan following a period of extensive public engagement in 2021. Technical work is now underway on a new version of the plan, which can guide development and influence how the borough changes over the next 15 years.
One of the main themes which emerged from the public engagement on the draft Local Plan were concerns around the level of green belt development proposed and a need to focus development on previously developed (brownfield) land.
To assist us in considering additional sites for residential and economic development, in particular, we are contacting landowners and other stakeholders who may wish to promote further land for development. We are particularly keen to receive information about available previously developed land.
We are also looking to identify sites that could be suitable for Biodiversity Net Gain, Carbon Offsetting, flood risk management and other green and blue infrastructure to support sustainable growth. This will support our Interim Planning Policy Statement on Climate as well as our draft guidance on Biodiversity Net Gain, Carbon Offsetting and Sustainable Transport & Parking, which were recently issued for public consultation.
Potential development sites which are submitted through this Call for Sites will be assessed as part of a review of our Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA), a detailed technical report which was previously issued in 2019. Inclusion of a site in the report does not mean that it will be allocated for development or that planning permission would automatically be granted if an application were made.
More information can be found on the call for sites page of our website including our HELAA methodology. Submissions to our call for sites or on the HELAA methodology must be received by 12pm on 22 December 2022, by email.
If you require any further information, please contact local.plan@hertsmere.gov.uk
Local Plan team
Hertsmere Borough Council | Civic Offices | Elstree Way | Borehamwood | Herts | WD6 1WA
t: 020 8207 2277
email: local.plan@hertsmere.gov.uk
26th January 2022: Hertsmere Local Plan Shelved 2022-2038
WHVG, EBGBS, EVPS, EBRA CPRE, HMWT, RSPB and EBTC were among a ‘staggering’ 20,000 objections received by Hertsmere Borough Council in response to their consultation on the draft Hertsmere Local Plan. At a full Council meeting on Wednesday 26th January leader, Cllr. Morris Bright announced that the plans were to be shelved.
Cllr Bright said, “Our residents have clearly rejected the Draft LP. Now the Council must reject it too."
Government targets of over 12,000 homes, 9000 on green belt, are unachievable.
Warning from Cllr Harvey Cohen, “Producing a new draft plan will take time. I advise now that we may not meet government deadlines for a local plan. We must expect opportunistic planning applications and we may lose some on appeal and end up with developments we do not want.”
Cllr Bright concluded, “We welcome the support of our MP Oliver Dowden. We will make it clear to Government who are the best arbiters of what is right for Hertsmere and its future are our residents and our councillors.”
To hear the full Hertsmere Borough Council meeting where the plan was discussed click here.
WHVG, EBGBS, EVPS, EBRA CPRE, HMWT, RSPB and EBTC were among a ‘staggering’ 20,000 objections received by Hertsmere Borough Council in response to their consultation on the draft Hertsmere Local Plan. At a full Council meeting on Wednesday 26th January leader, Cllr. Morris Bright announced that the plans were to be shelved.
Cllr Bright said, “Our residents have clearly rejected the Draft LP. Now the Council must reject it too."
Government targets of over 12,000 homes, 9000 on green belt, are unachievable.
Warning from Cllr Harvey Cohen, “Producing a new draft plan will take time. I advise now that we may not meet government deadlines for a local plan. We must expect opportunistic planning applications and we may lose some on appeal and end up with developments we do not want.”
Cllr Bright concluded, “We welcome the support of our MP Oliver Dowden. We will make it clear to Government who are the best arbiters of what is right for Hertsmere and its future are our residents and our councillors.”
To hear the full Hertsmere Borough Council meeting where the plan was discussed click here.
3rd December 2021: EBGBS response to the Draft Local Plan
About 10% of all Hertsmere Green Belt land is planned for development in the Draft Local Plan. This is a huge amount of our Green Belt to lose! We have to make a good case as to why this is not acceptable.
EBGBS have responded to the Draft Local Plan. Read the EBGBS response here:
EBGBS response to Plan
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Appendix 3
Appendix 4
We ask all members to respond to the plan. The more responses the more chance we have of saving all or some of the Green Belt land in the plan for development.
If any members have not responded you have until Monday 6th December.
Click here for guidance to members making their responses.
About 10% of all Hertsmere Green Belt land is planned for development in the Draft Local Plan. This is a huge amount of our Green Belt to lose! We have to make a good case as to why this is not acceptable.
EBGBS have responded to the Draft Local Plan. Read the EBGBS response here:
EBGBS response to Plan
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Appendix 3
Appendix 4
We ask all members to respond to the plan. The more responses the more chance we have of saving all or some of the Green Belt land in the plan for development.
If any members have not responded you have until Monday 6th December.
Click here for guidance to members making their responses.
10th November 2021: Statement by EBGBS regarding Local Plan
The Elstree and Borehamwood Green Belt Society will be heeding the advice from Campaign For Rural England (CPRE), The Countryside Charity. Chris Berry of CPRE spoke to an audience from action groups across the Town at Allum Manor on Monday October 11th. Representatives from Woodcock Hill Village green, Elstree Village Preservation Society, Aldenham Parish Council, Aldenham Country Park Trust Ltd, Elstree & Borehamwood Town council, ALFA, Well End Ers, Hartfield Ave Action Group , Solar Plant objectors, Mill Hill Society, Cowley Hill Objectors were all able to state their specific objections to the Draft Hertsmere local Plan and share with the rest of the audience.
He set out the objections and flaws that the CPRE have identified in the Draft Hertsmere Local Plan.
EBGBS agree with the CPRE that the Draft Hertmere Local plan has used figures that are excessive and out of date, as the latest projections show as slower rate of increase.
EBGBS agree with the CPRE that the Draft Hertmere Local plan has failed to make use of a government clause that allows Local authorities with a large amount of green belt to use a special formula to calculate housing need stating ‘The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) allows councils to limit land allocation where it is designated as protected, including Green Belt.’
EBGBS agree with the CPRE that the Draft Local Plan ‘greatly underestimates the likely changes which are already affecting town centres, out of town retailing and office use. The impact of the pandemic and social and economic trends will create many more opportunities for regeneration and reuse of land.’
EBGBS also agrees with the CPRE that HBC have failed to address climate change, particulary after HBC declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 yet the Draft Local Plan fails to take account the need for carbon reduction targets, transport provision, and related concerns.
EBGBS welcome Oliver Dowden’s Intervention and ask that he ensures that up to date figures are used and that the special formula is applied for local authorities with large amounts of Green Belt.
EBGBS welcome the statement by Michael Gove admitting that housing targets are out of date.
Approximately 10% of the Green Belt in Hertsmere is allocated for development – an unnecessary overprovision, that will change the character and appearance of the Borough forever.
EBGBS call on Hertsmere Borough Council to call a moratorium on their Local Plan until these new figures and the special formula can be used.
He set out the objections and flaws that the CPRE have identified in the Draft Hertsmere Local Plan.
EBGBS agree with the CPRE that the Draft Hertmere Local plan has used figures that are excessive and out of date, as the latest projections show as slower rate of increase.
EBGBS agree with the CPRE that the Draft Hertmere Local plan has failed to make use of a government clause that allows Local authorities with a large amount of green belt to use a special formula to calculate housing need stating ‘The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) allows councils to limit land allocation where it is designated as protected, including Green Belt.’
EBGBS agree with the CPRE that the Draft Local Plan ‘greatly underestimates the likely changes which are already affecting town centres, out of town retailing and office use. The impact of the pandemic and social and economic trends will create many more opportunities for regeneration and reuse of land.’
EBGBS also agrees with the CPRE that HBC have failed to address climate change, particulary after HBC declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 yet the Draft Local Plan fails to take account the need for carbon reduction targets, transport provision, and related concerns.
EBGBS welcome Oliver Dowden’s Intervention and ask that he ensures that up to date figures are used and that the special formula is applied for local authorities with large amounts of Green Belt.
EBGBS welcome the statement by Michael Gove admitting that housing targets are out of date.
Approximately 10% of the Green Belt in Hertsmere is allocated for development – an unnecessary overprovision, that will change the character and appearance of the Borough forever.
EBGBS call on Hertsmere Borough Council to call a moratorium on their Local Plan until these new figures and the special formula can be used.
9th November 2021: Article in Barnet Times
To read the Barnet Times article 15/10/21 Housing Secretary admits housing targets could be ‘outdated’
Article stated
The targets set by Government have been a constant discussion point and nationals have been reporting that even Conservative MPs in the south east have been pressing for a reduction.
Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden says he wrote to Housing Secretary Michael Gove recently asking him consider whether his constituency's housing numbers are "up-to-date and appropriate".
He (Mr Gove) added communities should be able to push back against large scale housing targets near areas of outstanding natural beauty and green belt.
Meanwhile, at the Conservative party conference in the autumn, Prime Minister Boris Johnson indicated homes shouldn't be built on green fields..
Click here to read the full article from Barnet Times 9/11/21
Article stated
The targets set by Government have been a constant discussion point and nationals have been reporting that even Conservative MPs in the south east have been pressing for a reduction.
Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden says he wrote to Housing Secretary Michael Gove recently asking him consider whether his constituency's housing numbers are "up-to-date and appropriate".
He (Mr Gove) added communities should be able to push back against large scale housing targets near areas of outstanding natural beauty and green belt.
Meanwhile, at the Conservative party conference in the autumn, Prime Minister Boris Johnson indicated homes shouldn't be built on green fields..
Click here to read the full article from Barnet Times 9/11/21
15th October 2021: Article in Barnet Times
Meeting held in Borehamwood to discuss threat to green belt in local plan
Article stated:
The Elstree & Borehamwood Green Belt Society held a meeting this week to discuss the threat to green belt land in the area.
Dr Ann Goddard, chairman of the Elstree & Borehamwood Green Belt Society, said: "Chris gave valuable guidance on tackling planning authorities and warned us that Hertfordshire and Surrey were the two counties which posed the most threat to green belt overriding legal restraints on building on it. He told us that every objection counted.
Click here to read the Barnet Times article 15/10/21
Article stated:
The Elstree & Borehamwood Green Belt Society held a meeting this week to discuss the threat to green belt land in the area.
Dr Ann Goddard, chairman of the Elstree & Borehamwood Green Belt Society, said: "Chris gave valuable guidance on tackling planning authorities and warned us that Hertfordshire and Surrey were the two counties which posed the most threat to green belt overriding legal restraints on building on it. He told us that every objection counted.
Click here to read the Barnet Times article 15/10/21
The Draft Local Plan (DLP) was published on 11th October 2021.
Whats in the DLP?
Comments on the plan can be submitted to Hertsmere Borough Council by 6th December 2021 via:
• Online consultation portal on the Hertsmere.gov.uk website
• Email to: local.plan@hertsmere.gov.uk
• By post to: Planning Policy and Transport Team, Hertsmere Borough Council, Civic Offices, 3 Elstree Way, Borehamwood, WD6 9SR.
For further details of the plan follow this link
How do I respond to the DLP?
To respond to the plan follow this link
How long do I have to respond to the DLP?
A six week period was originally given to respond which has been extended by a further 2 weeks to 6th December 2021
What should put in my response?
Campaign For Rural England (CPRE) have published the following statement. We urge you to read the linked reports as they are invaluable in providing advice as to how to respond.
EBGBS will respond as an organisation but it is critical every single member and all your friends, family and neighbours respond as individuals. Make as many points as you can from very high level to site specific. All are relevant and all must be reviewed by the planners.
Please read carefully:
We’ve (CPRE) published our initial review of the Hertsmere Draft Local Plan.
Our Planning team has completed an initial review of the Hertsmere Draft Local Plan, it is available on our website https://www.cpreherts.org.uk/resources/hertsmere-draft-local-plan-consultation-our-initial-review/
We will publish a more detailed technical report later in November well before the revised consultation closing date of 6 December.
It is important that as many people respond to this consultation as possible. Responses can be either via email to local.plan@hertsmere.gov.uk or by post to Planning Policy and Transport Team, Hertsmere Borough Council, Civic Offices, 3 Elstree Way, Borehamwood, WD6 9SR, or alternatively via the Online portal on the Hertsmere.gov.uk website.
We have also completed an analysis of the proposed development sites. This has not been a straightforward task as Hertsmere Borough Council has not published a summary of all sites. We have written to them requesting that they publish a summary of all sites as part of the consultation. Based on our assessment, if the Local Plan goes ahead, it will destroy an estimated 1025 hectares of Green Belt land in Hertsmere. By comparison, across the whole of England 1750 hectares of Green Belt land were lost in the year to 31 March 2021. So, Hertsmere’s proposals represent a whopping 58% of all the Green Belt lost to development across England last year.
The Green Belt of Hertfordshire is at a critical juncture with 7 of the 10 boroughs in Hertfordshire in different stages of developing new Local Plans. In response to this we have increased our part time staff and the hours they work. If you would like to help us, please consider becoming a member or making a donation. Your money will go towards paying for our experts who analyse planning documents and utilise technical planning arguments to influence better outcomes for the countryside. You can find details of how to join us and how to donate on our website https://www.cpreherts.org.uk
Whats in the DLP?
Comments on the plan can be submitted to Hertsmere Borough Council by 6th December 2021 via:
• Online consultation portal on the Hertsmere.gov.uk website
• Email to: local.plan@hertsmere.gov.uk
• By post to: Planning Policy and Transport Team, Hertsmere Borough Council, Civic Offices, 3 Elstree Way, Borehamwood, WD6 9SR.
For further details of the plan follow this link
How do I respond to the DLP?
To respond to the plan follow this link
How long do I have to respond to the DLP?
A six week period was originally given to respond which has been extended by a further 2 weeks to 6th December 2021
What should put in my response?
Campaign For Rural England (CPRE) have published the following statement. We urge you to read the linked reports as they are invaluable in providing advice as to how to respond.
EBGBS will respond as an organisation but it is critical every single member and all your friends, family and neighbours respond as individuals. Make as many points as you can from very high level to site specific. All are relevant and all must be reviewed by the planners.
Please read carefully:
We’ve (CPRE) published our initial review of the Hertsmere Draft Local Plan.
Our Planning team has completed an initial review of the Hertsmere Draft Local Plan, it is available on our website https://www.cpreherts.org.uk/resources/hertsmere-draft-local-plan-consultation-our-initial-review/
We will publish a more detailed technical report later in November well before the revised consultation closing date of 6 December.
It is important that as many people respond to this consultation as possible. Responses can be either via email to local.plan@hertsmere.gov.uk or by post to Planning Policy and Transport Team, Hertsmere Borough Council, Civic Offices, 3 Elstree Way, Borehamwood, WD6 9SR, or alternatively via the Online portal on the Hertsmere.gov.uk website.
We have also completed an analysis of the proposed development sites. This has not been a straightforward task as Hertsmere Borough Council has not published a summary of all sites. We have written to them requesting that they publish a summary of all sites as part of the consultation. Based on our assessment, if the Local Plan goes ahead, it will destroy an estimated 1025 hectares of Green Belt land in Hertsmere. By comparison, across the whole of England 1750 hectares of Green Belt land were lost in the year to 31 March 2021. So, Hertsmere’s proposals represent a whopping 58% of all the Green Belt lost to development across England last year.
The Green Belt of Hertfordshire is at a critical juncture with 7 of the 10 boroughs in Hertfordshire in different stages of developing new Local Plans. In response to this we have increased our part time staff and the hours they work. If you would like to help us, please consider becoming a member or making a donation. Your money will go towards paying for our experts who analyse planning documents and utilise technical planning arguments to influence better outcomes for the countryside. You can find details of how to join us and how to donate on our website https://www.cpreherts.org.uk