‘We would encourage everyone to have a say’ – Final consultation gets under way on proposed Local Plan to build 14,000 homes in North Herts

A final six-week consultation for people in North Herts to have their say on the proposed Local Plan to build thousands of new homes in the area started on Wednesday this week.

It is the last chance for people to air their views before the plan by North Herts District Council is submitted to the Secretary of State’s inspectors.

The plan sets out how the council proposes to balance the need for development in order to provide 14,000 new homes in the district to meet local needs.

Councillor David Levett is responsible for planning and enterprise.

“The Local Plan Proposed Submission Draft was approved by cabinet on September 26 for public consultation,” he said.

“This is the last stage of consultation before it is submitted to the Secretary of State for examination and so we would like to encourage everyone to take the opportunity to have a final say.”

The plan sets out an allocation for 1,712 homes in Royston, an increase of 25 per cent, as well as increased housing for surrounding villages including Ashwell, and Barkway where a proposed additional 204 houses would see the number of homes increased in thby 60 per cent.

Once the plan has been submitted, a government inspector will be appointed to carry out an examination of the proposals.

The report will contain recommendations to either accept the plan as it is, accept the plan and make some changes, or fail the plan. The Inspector’s report will be available to view once the examination is complete.

For more information on the consultation and details and guidance on how to respond, go to www.north-herts.gov.uk/localplan.