News

Last night (Tuesday 15 October 2024), Full Council approved the draft Dacorum Local Plan to 2041, and what is known as the Regulation 19 consultation. This will allow for public comment on the draft Local Plan’s legal compliance and 'soundness' with national planning policies. Consultation feedback is restricted to whether the plan is consistent with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and meets all the necessary legal requirements.

The Local Plan is a blueprint for future growth and identifies land for infrastructure, employment and housing developments in the years to 2041.

Residents, community groups, businesses, neighbouring local authorities and other organisations have helped shape the document by contributing to three extensive public consultations held in 2017, 2020 and 2023 to get to this stage.

Numerous studies have also been carried out to assess the impact of the proposals on the environment, transport, heritage, the Green Belt and social issues, such as education and leisure.

Councillor Adrian England, Leader of the Council said: “The new Labour Government's decision to increase our current target of 1,016 homes per year, in line with changes to the NPPF, to 1,313 is hard to argue against in light of the national housing crisis.

"Our Local Plan commits us to the full local housing need figure of 1,016 homes per year, substantially less than the new targets set by Labour. However, these are within the transitional arrangements proposed by the Government for well-advanced Local Plans such as Dacorum’s, and an ambitious level of growth to meet housing needs and secure investment in our borough. 

"This Local Plan is the right plan to protect our communities from uncontrolled development, but it is also essential for shaping our borough for the years to come. To ensure your voice is heard during the forthcoming consultation, please register with us on Let’s Talk Dacorum."

Councillor Simy Dhyani, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “Rejecting or delaying this plan won’t stop development, but it would mean homes are built without the infrastructure we need. That’s a future I know none of us want.

"This plan is about more than just numbers - it’s about ensuring the right homes are built in the right places, with the schools, roads, and services our communities need to thrive. Only a local plan gives us the opportunity to address these requirements head on."

The consultation will start at midday on Monday 4 November and end at midday on Tuesday 17 December 2024. Documents for the consultation and the draft Local Plan will be published on our Let's Talk engagement platform on 4 November 2024. 

If you haven't already, please register on Let's Talk now to be notified when the consultation goes live.