North Herts Council is working with Herts County Council, East Herts Council, Broxbourne Borough Council, Stevenage Borough Council and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council to plan for the longer-term sustainable growth of North East and Central Hertfordshire (NEC Herts).

In a statement the combined authorities explained that they have reached a key milestone and finalised a shared vision setting out the aspirations for the area up to 2050 based around 6 key themes. 

According to them the vision aims to inform cross-boundary planning and strategic growth options that address climate change, environment, infrastructure, housing, and employment.

"By working together, we are confident we will be in a stronger position to deliver and fund essential facilities that local people want to see, such as transport, schools, health and utilities like water and sewerage"

"Each district and borough council will still be responsible for preparing their own local plan, but the preparation of a strategic plan will be important for setting the framework and shared priorities across North East and Central Hertfordshire, within which individual local plans can be prepared".

Cllr Daniel Allen, Leader of North Herts Council said: "By preparing and consulting on our shared vision, we will be able to gain a greater understanding of what is most important to residents, communities and stakeholders within our key towns and rural areas and across NEC Herts as a whole." 

The vision is currently out for consultation and is available here: North East Central Hertfordshire Vision 2050 - Consultation

However, questions remain as to whether this vision will stand the test of time following the white paper launched this week that suggested District Councils face being scrapped and more elected mayors could be introduced under a major reform of local government.