Blueprint for Hertsmere's future given thumbs-up (From Borehamwood Times)

Plan for future housing, jobs, shops and transport in Hertsmere gets Government approval

3:10pm Wednesday 2nd January 2013 in News By Anna Slater

More new homes - including affordable housing - is the verdict on revised plans that will shape Hertsmere over the next 15 years.

Hertsmere Borough Council’s core strategy sets out policies for housing, employment, the environment, shops and transport, and outlines guidance on a range of other issues including natural and heritage assets, air quality and water resources.

The strategy was submitted in February last year and public hearings were held by planning inspector Mary Travers in May.

In her report, published in December, Ms Travers backed the strategy - subject to an increase in the overall housing requirement for the borough, greater provision for affordable homes in new developments and a commitment to undertake an assessment of housing need within three years.

Members of the public were invited to give their responses to these changes during a six-week consultation from August.

The changes will be considered by the council’s executive committee next week on Wednesday January 9.

If approved, the core strategy will be formally adopted when the full council meets on Wednesday January 16.

Glen Wooldrige, the authority's environment director, said: "We are now at the final stage of a long process, which has taken into account the views of residents, developers, town and parish councils, residents’ associations and other local and national interest groups.

"The core strategy is a very important document, which will guide town planning and development in the area for the next decade and a half."

Conservative Councillor Harvey Cohen said the core strategy aims to achieve a balance between preserving and enhancing the beauty of Hertsmere, and ensuring its economic and social vitality for the next 15 years.

He said: "It is vital that despite all the uncertainty at national and international level our officers and councillors have a vision for the borough which they can use to help them shape local provision and make day-to-day decisions on services that matter to our residents."

Once approved, policies within the core strategy will replace some of those in the current Hertsmere Local Plan, which was adopted in 2003.