Council launches consultation on new draft Local Plan
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (WHBC) has launched a major consultation on the development of a new Local Plan for Welwyn Hatfield.
The consultation will run from Thursday 12 February to Thursday 26 March and will include informal drop-in sessions across the Borough where residents can speak to Council officers and offer their views.
The draft Local Plan offers a vision of how Welwyn Hatfield could evolve over the next fifteen years. It provides a framework of policies for revitalising our town centres, delivering affordable homes, the environment, climate action and the local economy. The Plan also sets out how the borough can meet future needs for employment land and new housing growth in a way that is sustainable and aligned with the long‑term interests of our communities.
The policies, strategic direction and sites within the plan are not final and open to discussion. We are encouraging open and constructive feedback and genuine participation. This is an opportunity for local residents, businesses and stakeholders to have their say on the future development of the Borough.
The draft Local Plan consultation document is available to view online during the consultation period at www.welwynhatfieldlocalplan.commonplace.is
The documents and other information are also available to view in hard copy during the consultation period at public libraries within the Borough, and at Town and Parish Council offices, during normal opening hours.
Drop-in sessions will be held at the following locations:
Wednesday 25 February
10.00 – 12.00 Cuffley Community Library
14.00 – 16.00 Hatfield Library
Thursday 26 February
10.00 - 12.00 Howard Centre, Welwyn Garden City
14.00 – 16.00 Welwyn Library (Civic Centre)
Monday 02 March
10.00 – 12.00 Cuffley Community Library
14.00 – 16.00 North Mymms Parish Council Offices, Dellsome Lane, Welham Green
Wednesday 04 March
11.00 – 13.00 Christ Church, Great North Road, Little Heath
14.00 – 16.00 University of Hertfordshire Forum, College Lane, Hatfield
Wednesday 11 March
10.00 – 12.00 Howard Centre, Welwyn Garden City
Tuesday 17 March
16:00 – 18:00 Howard Centre, Welwyn Garden City
Wednesday 18 March
10.00 – 12.00 Hatfield Library
14.00 – 16.00 Welwyn Library (Civic Centre)
Thursday 19 March
14.00 – 16.00 North Mymms Parish Council Offices, Dellsome Lane, Welham Green
More informal drop-in events are being organised and will be advertised on the Council’s website and social media channels. A number of online topic-based consultation sessions will also be held. Dates and times will be published on the Council’s website and social media channels.
Formal written representations on the new draft Local Plan can also be made during the consultation period. Written responses are encouraged to be made through our online portal where a survey can be completed online at: www.welwynhatfieldlocalplan.commonplace.is
Councillor Rose Grewal, Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Planning said:
"This is an opportunity to shape a Local Plan that comes from Welwyn Hatfield — reflecting our values, our priorities, and our ambitions for the future. Once finalised, the Local Plan will create a strong policy framework that protects what matters most to our communities, while ensuring that future growth is managed and sustainable.
"The Plan also sets out a strategic picture of where development may come forward, helping infrastructure providers understand where new facilities and services will need to be targeted.
"This is one of the largest consultations we have undertaken. I encourage everyone to take part — online or at one of our drop‑in sessions — and help shape the future of our Borough."
A summary of the consultation findings will be made available on the Council’s website in the months following consultation period.