People across Hitchin and the wider North Herts district are being asked to share their views as work begins on a new Local Plan that will help guide future housing, transport, green spaces and community development.

North Herts Council has launched the first stage of consultation on the updated Local Plan, with residents, businesses and community groups invited to have their say between May 11 and June 28.

The Local Plan is the key document that decides where new homes, employment sites, green spaces and community facilities should be built, helping shape how towns and villages across North Herts grow over the coming years.

The council says the new plan is needed following changes to national planning rules designed to make Local Plans "shorter and clearer". Work on the updated document is expected to take around two and a half years, with adoption planned for late 2028.

This first stage, known as the Scoping Document Consultation, asks people how they would like to be involved in the process and what they see as the biggest issues facing the district. Topics include housing, jobs, transport, climate change and the future of town centres and high streets.

Further rounds of consultation are expected later in 2026 and again in 2027 before the final plan is submitted for independent examination.

Councillor Donna Wright, Executive Member for Place at North Herts Council, said: "This is an important opportunity for our communities to help shape the future of North Herts.

"We want to hear from as many people as possible at this early stage, so we can understand what matters most to residents and ensure the new Local Plan reflects the needs and priorities of our area.

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"It is important that we build the homes we need, particularly for our young people, whilst protecting our precious environment."

Residents without internet access can visit the council's Customer Service Centre on Gernon Road in Letchworth between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Help completing the survey is also available by calling 01462 464000 or emailing [email protected].

Full details on the consultation and how to take part can be found on the North Herts Council website.