The Local Plan has been many years in the making - here's a summary of the key milestones in its development.
2023
Consultation on Main Modifications Schedule, Policies Maps and Supporting Documents in January/February.
Consideration and publication of responses by Inspector (to be confirmed).
2022
Planning Inspector accepts WHBC request to progress Local Plan with a housing supply to meet a ten-year requirement, subject to an early review once adopted.
Outstanding draft Main Modifications sent to Inspector for assessment and modification.
Set of Main Modifications necessary to make the Local Plan sound received from Inspector, approved by Members in December.
2021
Stage 9 hearing sessions on additional sites, windfall and Objectively Assessed Need in February and March.
Members' letter to Secretary of State seeking confirmation on opportunity for further discussion on Objectively Assessed Need and potential future changes to national planning policy.
2020
Stage 7 and Stage 8 hearing sessions on Symondshyde and Birchall Green Suburb and village and town sites.
Consultation on Proposed Changes to Submitted Draft Local Plan 2016 Site Allocations (extended due to COVID-19).
2019
Consultation on additional sites.
Stage 6 hearing sessions on strategic matters (including housing need and employment) in December.
2018
Examination hearing sessions continue on Birchall Garden Suburb, Topic policies Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City and the Green Belt.
2017
The council's Cabinet approves a recommendation to send the Draft Local Plan to the government's planning inspectorate.
2016
The council publishes the Draft Local Plan, allocating sites for 12,000 new homes. Over 3,000 representations are received.
2015
Where should development happen? Local people make over 6,000 comments in response to the Local Plan Consultation Document outlining development site options.
Events are held to explain new sites that came forward as part of the previous consultation.
2014
A detailed transport study is completed to test the traffic implications of future development.
An independent report is released, stating 12,500 is the required number of new homes in Welwyn Hatfield until 2031.
2013
A local Green Belt Review takes place, looking at its contribution to retaining openness and the character of the countryside.
2012
The council consults on a strategy to concentrate growth around Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City, receiving over 3,000 comments.
2011
How Many New Homes? Residents are asked for views on five alternative housing targets. All but one would require land to be released from the Green Belt.
2009
The Issues and Option Consultation begins to more fully establish the main social, economic and environmental issues affecting Welwyn Hatfield. The consultation receives over 6,700 comments.
A series of neighbourhood workshops are held with community representatives to develop localised, area-specific ambitions.
The first of three economy needs studies completes.
2007 - 2008
Pre-Issues and Options Consultation launches, with an aim of identifying the key issues a borough blueprint for growth needs to address.
