New Local Plan vision puts residents’ wellbeing at heart of development

Informed by public engagement, the new vision and strategic objectives are a key milestone in the development of the Local Plan and set out an ambition for Welwyn Hatfield to become a thriving, inclusive, and climate-resilient borough.

The vision and objectives will guide the Local Plan up to 2043 and are structured around three themes aligned with the council’s priorities:

• People and Places – delivering well designed, sustainable new homes for all, whilst protecting the Green Belt and creating healthy, safe, walkable neighbourhoods.
• Economy and Infrastructure – ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with growth, supporting jobs and skills, and improving transport and digital connectivity, as well as focusing on delivering vibrant, thriving town centres and village centres.
• Environment and Climate – leading the move to net zero, protecting our natural blue/green spaces, improving biodiversity, and building climate-resilient communities.

The Welwyn Hatfield Local Plan provides a way for the council, working with the community, to set out the strategic priorities for the development and use of land. The new vision and strategic objectives, which are informed by 2024 resident engagement, updated evidence, and the latest national planning policy, mark a fresh direction for the borough. They will form part of the Regulation 18 consultation which is scheduled for early 2026, giving residents and stakeholders the opportunity to have their say.

Councillor Rose Grewal, Executive Member for Planning, said:

“I am really pleased that Cabinet has agreed the new Local Plan vision, which has been shaped by the views of our residents and puts their wellbeing at its heart in every objective. This will ensure the Local Plan delivers the homes and infrastructure we need while protecting the distinctive character of our borough and enabling us to meet the challenges presented by climate change, maximising the opportunities this presents in terms of promoting sustainability, access to nature, and improving our green and blue spaces.

“We will continue to listen closely to the views of residents as we develop the Local Plan, and I encourage everyone to follow the latest updates and take part in the next round of consultation.”

More information, including the opportunity to register for updates, is available on the Local Plan engagement portal.