Have your say on council's revised draft Local Plan
Residents have a chance to shape Three Rivers by having their say on a key document that will guide development in the district for the next 18 years.
Views are being sought on Three Rivers District Council’s preferred Lower Growth Housing Option within the revised draft Local Plan, which proposes a new housing figure for the district of 4,852 until 2041 as opposed to the government’s target of 11,466.
A Local Plan guides decisions on future development proposals for thousands of new homes and associated infrastructure and employment to meet its future economic and population needs.
Following approval at October’s full council meeting, the six-week consultation will be open to the public from Friday, 27 October to Sunday, 10 December.
Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, Deputy Council Leader and Lead Member for the Local Plan, said: “Our Lower Growth Housing Option will mean we will be able to protect 98% of the district’s precious green belt whilst building the right homes for future generations.
“Our plan is a risk as it could be refused by the government-appointed planning inspectorate, and we may have to start again with a higher housing figure imposed on us.
“However, if we push for what is right for the district, then we may have a chance. I hope that a majority of residents will agree on our new Lower Housing Growth approach, so make sure you have your say today.”
After the consultation has concluded, a revised and final version of the Local Plan will be put forward for councillors and the public to consider and comment on before it is submitted to a government-appointed inspector to review and consider whether it is legally ‘sound’. It will then go before the full council for adoption.
Residents will be able to comment online via the council’s consultation page ‘have your say’, which can be viewed here: https://haveyoursay.threerivers.gov.uk/local-plan
The details can be examined in all parish council offices and public libraries. The council will be having a leaflet advertising the consultation delivered to every home over the next few weeks.
You can view the Local Plan consultation here.