Hertsmere issues a new call for sites for local plan

Hertsmere Borough Council is restarting the process after agreeing to “set aside” its draft local plan earlier this year after a huge outcry from residents.

More than 18,000 comments were submitted – many of which highlighted concerns about green belt land being earmarked for new houses to meet Government housing targets.

The light blue areas of this map indicate land in the council's initial draft plan that would have been developed. Dark blue is existing settlements (Image: Hertsmere Borough Council)

The council is required by Government to draw up a local plan and is re-issuing its call for sites.

This is sites that are capable of being used for various types of developments such as at least five homes, affordable housing schemes, specialist care, offices, or industrial/storage space.

The council says it is particularly interested in sites on land that has been previously used for commercial or industrial purposes or where there can be an increase in biodiversity levels.

Stephen Balsam, pictured, has been helping to lead the Save Hertsmere campaign (Image: Save Hertsmere)

One of Hertsmere’s biggest challenges to meeting housing targets is the fact the borough is around 80% green belt. Under local and national planning polices, development in the green belt should only be allowed if “very special circumstances” can be demonstrated by the applicant.

Dr Harvey Cohen, who leads on planning in Hertsmere, said: “We're committed to producing an up-to-date Local Plan that benefits our existing and future residents.

"Only this way can we positively shape growth in the borough and reduce the risk of speculative developments, where the needs of local communities have not been considered.

The Conservative councillor added: "The first step towards ensuring our new plan is the best that it can be is to work hard to identify and fully investigate every site that could be available for development. 

“That is why we’re launching this current call for sites and appealing for as many submissions as possible.”

Conservative Hertsmere borough councillor for planning Dr Harvey Cohen (Image: Hertsmere Borough Council)

Respondents are asked to complete a questionnaire and return it with a map showing the site boundary to the council before midday on December 22. Visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/callforsites for more information.

Since the council ‘set aside’ its local plan, applications to develop green belt land in Bushey and Radlett have come forward, generating thousands of objections.