Early Engagement begins to Kickstart New Local Plan
The first steps towards the development of a new Local Plan for Welwyn Hatfield were taken today (23 September) with the start of an early engagement process.
The consultation that runs to Monday 4 November, allows local residents and businesses have their say on the future development of the Borough.
The new Local Plan will set out how Welwyn Hatfield grows and develops over the next 15 years and beyond. The early engagement is aimed at involving residents, businesses and stakeholders from the beginning of the plan making process to understand shared aspirations and priorities for the Borough.
The Council is seeking views on what matters to you and what you think are the key challenges and opportunities for Welwyn Hatfield. Respondents will be able to share their thoughts on living and working in the Borough, as well as the Borough’s environment and infrastructure.
As part of the early engagement work, a new Local Plan website went live today to enable people to share their ideas online. Two drop-in events will be held at the Howard Centre in Welwyn Garden City (3pm to 7pm on Thursday 3 October) and in Hatfield Library (3pm to 7pm on Friday 11 October). Staff from the Council’s Planning Department will be on hand to discuss people’s ideas and thoughts.
Councillor Rose Grewal, Executive Member for Planning said:
“Our new Local Plan will guide the decisions that we make on the future development of Welwyn Hatfield so that the needs and opportunities of local residents and businesses are met. We want to start the plan making process with a conversation on what matters most to the people who live and work here. I would encourage as many people as possible, particularly our young people, to share their views online or by visiting one of the drop-in sessions.”
Further information on the new Local Plan website and drop-in sessions will be published on the Council’s website and social media channels over the coming weeks.