The Hertford Heath Parish Council has a strong track record of serving the community, and their efforts are widely recognised and appreciated. However, recent discussions around the Neighbourhood Plan may concern residents, casting a shadow of doubt on the Parish Council’s commitment to open communication and community engagement.
Despite a clear majority vote in favour of proceeding with the Neighbourhood Plan, the Parish Council’s recent minutes hint at a possible reluctance to move forward. This discrepancy between the community’s clear mandate and the Parish Council’s apparent hesitation may leave residents feeling unheard and questioning whether their voices truly matter.
A Community Ready to Contribute
Over 30 residents have expressed their willingness to dedicate their time and expertise to the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, a vital component previously identified by the Parish Council as essential for the plan’s success. This outpouring of support underscores the community’s strong desire to actively shape the future of Hertford Heath.
The Importance of the Steering Group
A Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group is crucial in guiding the plan’s development. This group of volunteers, representing diverse perspectives within the community, works hand-in-hand with the Parish Council to:
- Gather and analyse community feedback on site selection and community benefits
- Collaborate with landowners and developers
- Shape the Neighbourhood Plan Policies to meet residents’ aspirations
- Consult with relevant stakeholders
The Steering Group significantly reduces the workload for the Parish Council, allowing them to focus on their broader responsibilities. Previous attempts at a Neighbourhood Plan in Hertford Heath demonstrated the effectiveness of such a collaborative approach, with the majority of the groundwork, including draft policies, already established over the past six years, though updates may be necessary.
Transparency is Key
Open and transparent communication is vital, especially when it comes to matters that directly impact the future of your village. Concerns raised by Aecom and East Herts regarding previous procedures and public consultations suggest that there is room for improvement in how the Parish Council gathers and incorporates community feedback. This highlights the need to revisit the previously undertaken Strategic Environmental Assessment and re-engage with parishioners and statutory consultees, ensuring that their views on site selection and community benefits are genuinely considered.
The Parish Council’s statement that they will only inform the community of their intentions after making a decision further emphasises the need for greater transparency.
Fostering an ongoing dialogue with residents, especially given the readily available community support, is crucial for building trust and ensuring that the Parish Council truly reflect the community’s aspirations.
The Neighbourhood Plan: Your Community’s Voice
The Neighbourhood Plan is not merely a document; it’s the only tool that empowers residents to secure guaranteed community benefits and influence improvements from developers beyond just housing provisions. This could include:
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* Allocating land for essential community facilities like a community store, tearoom, improved medical facilities, leisure facilities, or open green spaces.
* Securing funding for much-needed infrastructure improvements such as improved pavements, safe pedestrian crossings, road calming measures and village parking.
* Protecting valued green spaces, heritage, biodiversity and ensuring that any development respects the village’s unique character.
Choosing not to proceed with the NeighbourhoodPlan, despite strong community support, the Parish Council would deprive residents of this crucial opportunity to shape their village’s future according to their collective vision.
A Call for Collaboration
Moving forward with the Neighbourhood Plan, despite any obstacles, would be a powerful demonstration of the Parish Council’s dedication to its constituents. It would signal a renewed commitment to transparency, collaboration, and ultimately, honouring the democratic process that underpins our community.
The Parish Council should leverage the energy and commitment of residents to create a shared vision for a thriving and sustainable future for Hertford Heath.
We call upon the Parish Council to prioritise transparency, engage in open dialogue, and collaborate with the community to bring the Neighbourhood Plan to fruition.
Together, residents can build a future that truly reflects the shared aspirations of Hertford Heath.
