Timeline

The Local Plan has been many years in the making - here's a summary of the key milestones in its development.

 

2019
  • Consultation on additional sites.
  • Final examination hearing sessions on the villages and new sites.

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2018
  • Examination hearing sessions continue on Birchall Garden Suburb, Topic policies Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City and the Green Belt.

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2017
  • The council's Cabinet approves a recommendation to send the Draft Local Plan to the government's planning inspectorate.
  • Examination hearing sessions begin.

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2016
  • The council publishes the Draft Local Plan, allocating sites for 12,000 new homes. Over 3,000 representations are received.

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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.

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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.

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2013
  • A local Green Belt Review takes place, looking at its contribution to retaining openness and the character of the countryside.

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2012
  • The council consults on a strategy to concentrate growth around Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City, receiving over 3,000 comments.

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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.

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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.

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2007 - 2008
  • Pre-Issues and Options Consultation launches, with an aim of identifying the key issues a borough blueprint for growth needs to address.