| Have you ever wished your voice mattered more in decisions about your village? Perhaps you’ve dreamed of new community facilities, safer roads, more leisure options, or improved infrastructure. Well, the power to turn those dreams into reality is in your hands! The Hertford Heath Parish Council made a crucial decision: to empower residents through a Neighbourhood Plan and formed a Steering Group in 2017.This plan gives YOU a direct say in shaping your community’s future. Why a Neighbourhood Plan? East Herts Council’s District Plan requires Hertford Heath to identify sites for at least 84 new dwellings, a 10% increase in the number of homes in the village. This growth should also contribute to wider sustainability objectives and community benefits, such as employment, leisure, recreation, and community facilities, along with necessary infrastructure The Parish Council, through the Neighbourhood Plan, is not only tasked with identifying suitable and sustainable site(s) for these new homes but also with ensuring this development brings real benefits to the community. This means negotiating with developers for the infrastructure, amenities, and community improvements that matter most to YOU. What’s in a Neighbourhood Plan? It’s a community-led planning document that serves as a blueprint for the future of your local area. It empowers residents to make key decisions about how your neighbourhood evolves, including: ✅ Housing: Not just the quantity, but the types of homes that best meet your needs, from affordable options for young families to accessible housing for seniors. ✅ Infrastructure: Residents can prioritise the improvements that matter most to their safety and daily lives, such as better roads, safer pedestrian crossings, improved parking, and measures to reduce traffic speeds. ✅ Local Economy: Supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and attracting new shops and services that truly benefit the community. ✅ Health and Wellbeing: Ensuring access to essential healthcare facilities, creating green spaces for recreation, and fostering a healthy environment for all. Why Community Empowerment Matters Neighbourhood plans are not just about ticking boxes; they’re about empowering communities to: ✅ Take Ownership: Residents become active participants in shaping their surroundings, not passive recipients of top-down decisions. ✅ Create Tailored Solutions: Instead of generic plans, communities can develop a Master Plan that addresses their unique challenges and aspirations. ✅ Leverage Development: When new housing is proposed, a neighbourhood plan ensures that it brings tangible benefits to the community and not just housing. ✅ Preserve Local Character: Communities can protect the unique identity and heritage that make their village special. The Cost of Inaction What happens if a Parish Council chooses not to embrace this opportunity for empowerment? In the case of Hertford Heath and the 10% growth target, it could mean: ❌ Loss of Control: Decisions about housing and development would be made by higher authorities, potentially overlooking local priorities and concerns. ❌ Missed Opportunities: The community might miss out on negotiating for much-needed improvements to infrastructure, services, or amenities. ❌ Unplanned Growth: Development could occur in a way that strains resources, disrupts local character, or fails to meet the community’s true needs. Your Voice Matters If you care about the future of your community, get involved in your neighbourhood plan! Empowered communities create stronger, more vibrant places to live. The Choice is Yours The existing neighbourhood plan for Hertford Heath has been paused following an independent review and the conclusion of East Herts District Council. Many Inconsistencies were identified in the site selection and public consultation processes, necessitating a fresh round of consultation with residents. This new consultation will allow residents to express their preferences for the community benefits and infrastructure they would like to see alongside any new housing development. The Parish Council is now asking residents to make a choice: Do you want to have an active voice in shaping your village’s future or pass up this opportunity? The decision rests with you. Empowering a Brighter Future Together Neighbourhood plans are about more than just bricks and mortar; they’re about empowering communities to create a better future for themselves and generations to come, to ensure that growth truly benefits everyone and leaves a lasting legacy of community pride and prosperity in Hertford Heath. RESIDENTS have a chance to address their questions directly to their Parish Councillors. For more information click on the link below or contact the Hertford Heath Parish Council:👇 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/LV6WV8EUBVa4kGcn/ |
Why Does The Hertford Heath Parish Council need to revisit the Neighbourhood Plan?
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