Hitchin residents are being encouraged to help shape the future of development across North Hertfordshire as the council launches the next stage of consultation on its new Local Plan.

North Herts Council is preparing a new Local Plan to guide future housing, employment and infrastructure development across the district, including Hitchin, while protecting green spaces and valued landscapes.

The plan will help determine how the district grows in the coming years, including where new homes could be built and what infrastructure is needed to support local communities.

Earlier this year, the council asked residents, businesses and community groups to identify their priorities for the new plan.

Feedback highlighted the importance of providing housing to meet different needs, ensuring new developments are resilient to climate change and protecting access to parks, countryside and other green spaces.

The council is now seeking views on a range of potential planning approaches, including:

• Requirements for self-build and custom-build housing.
• Support for community energy schemes.
• Designation and protection of Locally Valued Landscapes.
• Measures to ensure new developments meet future housing and environmental needs.

Potential development sites revealed

Alongside the consultation, the council has also published details of sites submitted by landowners for possible future development.

These sites could potentially be considered for housing or other uses as part of the new Local Plan.

However, the council has stressed that the sites are potential options only, and their inclusion does not mean they have been approved for development.

Residents are being invited to comment on the sites before the council carries out further assessments.

Details of the submitted sites can be viewed at www.north-herts.gov.uk/call-sites⁠.

Public meeting in Hitchin

Residents will have the opportunity to speak directly with council planning officers at a series of informal drop-in events across North Hertfordshire.

A public session will take place at Hitchin Town Hall on Monday 9 November, from 3.30pm to 6.30pm.

The event will allow residents to ask questions, discuss the proposed approaches and find out more about what the new Local Plan could mean for Hitchin.

Other nearby sessions include Knebworth Village Hall on 19 October, Baldock Community Centre on 2 November and Mrs Howard Memorial Hall in Letchworth on 10 November.

Councillor Donna Wright, North Herts Council's Executive Member for Place, said:

"The feedback we received earlier this year from residents, businesses, community groups, and stakeholders on their priorities for our new Local Plan was invaluable.

"As we continue to develop our new Local Plan, I'd like to encourage as many people as possible to have their say on the range of potential approaches we could take as it is key the new Local Plan reflects the needs and priorities of our communities."

How to have your say

Residents can read the consultation documents and proposed planning approaches online at www.north-herts.gov.uk/content-and-evidence-document⁠.

Printed copies are also available at Hitchin Library and other libraries across the district.

Anyone needing assistance can contact the council on 01462 464000 or email [email protected].

Full details of the consultation, including how to submit feedback, are available at www.north-herts.gov.uk/new-local-plan⁠.