Notice of Intent
Under the new planning system, authorities must publish a Notice of Intention to Commence Local Plan Preparation. This Notice acts as the formal signal that the plan‑making process is starting and must be issued before or at the same time as the Scoping Consultation, the first formal stage of public engagement. Its purpose is to ensure communities and stakeholders understand when the Local Plan process is beginning and how they can participate.
Date of publication: 11 June 2026
Details of the Local Plan
The plan is being prepared by East Hertfordshire District Council, referred to as East Herts Local Plan (2029 – 2044).
The Local Plan will set out the planning framework for East Herts District up to the year 2044.
The Local Plan will not incorporate any part of a minerals and waste plan. Minerals and waste planning will continue to be addressed through separate arrangements led at a county level.
Area Covered by the Local Plan
The East Herts Local Plan will cover the entire administrative area of East Hertfordshire District Council (ONS code E07000242). The area is shown on the map below.
Next Steps
You can view the Local Plan Timetable here to see the key stages and anticipated timescales.
We expect to start the formal plan-making process after passing through the Gateway 1 Self-Assessment (a key step in the new planning system) on 15 October 2026.
Contact Information for Further Enquiries
For further information, please email the Planning Policy Team at planningpolicy@eastherts.gov.uk.
You can view physical copies of the Notice document and the Timetable at our Wallfields Council Offices, Pegs Lane, Hertford, SG13 8EQ, during office opening hours (Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am – 2pm).
Open Data
East Herts Council publishes planning policy data in open, machine-readable formats in accordance with the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 and data standards published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
The Notice of Intent as open data can be viewed here.