Council launches consultation on final version of draft Local Plan

The new Welwyn Hatfield Local Plan will set out a vision for how the borough will grow and develop over the coming years and ensure new homes, jobs, infrastructure, community facilities and environmental improvements are planned in a coordinated way.

Today (Wednesday 23 September), the council has launched a consultation on the Regulation 19 Local Plan, which is the final draft version of the plan that will be submitted to the Government for independent examination. 

Stakeholders are invited to read the documents online and submit their comments by Wednesday 4 November. At this stage, representations should focus on whether the plan is legally compliant and sound. This means that the plan should comply with the law and national planning rules; be based on reliable evidence and proper consultation with local people; and set out a clear, realistic and deliverable approach to how the area will develop in the future.

The Regulation 19 version of the Local Plan has been developed following previous rounds of extensive consultation with residents, businesses and other stakeholders. After the current consultation concludes, the council intends to submit the Local Plan to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government for examination in 2027. 

During the examination, a government-appointed planning inspector will consider the evidence, representations received and the overall soundness of the plan before making recommendations. The council will then consider those recommendations before deciding whether to adopt the Local Plan.

Councillor Rose Grewal, Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Planning, said:

“Our Local Plan is hugely important for the future of our borough, so I’m delighted that Full Council has approved the final draft version for consultation. This crucial document will give greater certainty over future growth, providing a policy framework designed to ensure development is high quality, sustainable, well connected, and sensitive to the character of existing neighbourhoods. 

“Your feedback has already played a key role in shaping our Local Plan so that it meets the needs and aspirations of our communities. I encourage everyone to respond to this consultation and help us ensure the plan is in the best possible condition before we submit it for examination.”

Councillor Sandreni Bonfante, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Climate Change, said:

“Our new Local Plan is an important opportunity for the council to work together with local communities to shape growth in Welwyn Hatfield in a way that supports thriving, sustainable neighbourhoods, provides the right infrastructure, protects valued local places and creates better environments for people to live in, work in and visit.

“I encourage all stakeholders to take part in the consultation and share their views so that we can ensure the plan is sound and ready for examination.”