Council Secures £108K to Develop New Local Plan

The funding follows the introduction of new Local Plan Regulations, which set out how these documents must now be prepared. The council had been awaiting these changes, and could not begin the process until these rules were confirmed.

The council will give notice of its intent to start plan-making in June, followed by a six-week period of initial engagement on the scope of the new Local Plan. Although public consultation was paused last year to await the new regulations, the council has continued with essential preparatory and technical work to ensure it can move forward quickly once the process begins.  

Councillor Vicky Glover-Ward, Executive Member for Planning and Growth at East Herts Council, said: “We’re really pleased to have secured this funding, which will help us deliver this important work. Because we’ve had time while waiting for the new regulations, we’re now in a strong position to hit the ground running.

“One of our first priorities will be to get back out into our communities to make sure we’re capturing key challenges and priorities from the outset.

“Decisions about development and new housing are never straightforward, which is why having a new plan in place is so important. It provides a clear blueprint for where growth can happen sustainably and with the right infrastructure to support it.”