St Albans residents to have say on vision for South West Herts

Residents in St Albans are to be consulted on a detailed vision for further improving South West Hertfordshire.

St Albans City and District Council (SADC) are encouraging anyone with an interest in the future of the area to have their say and register for a public consultation. 

The council is one of five local authorities alongside Dacorum Borough Council, Three Rivers District Council, Watford Borough Council and Hertsmere Borough Council that have come together to form the South West Herts Joint Strategic Partnership.

Supported by Hertfordshire County Council the strategic partnership aims to create a long-term strategy for the area.

Last Thursday (23 June), SADC's Policy Committee considered the South West Herts 2050 – Realising Our Potential document which includes the draft vision, and marks the first formal plan-making stage of the Joint Strategic Plan (JSP).

The document has been drafted following a process of engagement that included the SW Herts – Your Future poll, which took place in early 2020. 

Councillors at SADC's Policy Committee meeting on Thursday (23 June), agreed the draft document could go for public consultation once arrangements were made with partner councils.

A consultation will be held on the draft vision this summer, if approved by all five local authorities in South West Hertfordshire. 

Councillor Chris White, SADC Leader and Chair of the SW Herts Joint Strategic Plan Member Group, said: “Since the first highly successful online poll held just over two years ago, we’ve been working with key stakeholders and a group of 18 to 25 year olds, to set out our vision for the future of the area.

“If approved for consultation by the other local authorities in South West Hertfordshire, residents will get a chance to tell us what they think about this part of Hertfordshire at present and the key issues they feel that our new Joint Strategic Plan should address. 

“Your views will be vital in shaping the plan, which will serve as a blueprint for the area until 2050. 

“I would urge you to visit the South West Herts website and register your interest to respond, so we can let you know when we want to hear from you.”

The Joint Strategic Plan will provide a long-term blueprint for South West Hertfordshire up to 2050 and consider issues that cross council boundaries, as well as setting out a strategic vision for the area.

The plan will also help guide future strategies by setting out high level policies on topics including climate change, infrastructure, environmental protection, employment and housing.

The five local authorities along with Hertfordshire County Council will work together to prepare the JSP, in addition to being responsible for developing their own Local Plans.

The key objective of the JSP is to ensure that infrastructure such as transport, schools, health, and utilities are well coordinated and delivered together with new homes and jobs.

To register your interest visit : www.swhertsplan.com