Two weeks left to have your say on SW Herts’ future

Residents and businesses of Three Rivers have just two weeks left to give their views on the future of South West Hertfordshire, as part of a public consultation on a draft vision of the area.

More than 3,000 people have already responded to the consultation on the South West Hertfordshire 2050 - Realising Our Potential document. The document, which includes a draft vision and objectives for the area until 2050, marks the first formal plan-making stage for the South West Herts Joint Strategic Plan (JSP) and covers all aspects of life in South West Hertfordshire, as well as the big issues and opportunities that lie ahead for the area, such as the challenges of climate change.

It has been drawn up by Three Rivers District Council, Hertsmere Borough Council, St Albans City and District Council, Dacorum Borough Council and Watford Borough Council, supported by Hertfordshire County Council. Responses to the consultation are invited until 5pm on Friday 4 November.

Cllr Sarah Nelmes, the Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: “This plan is all about the future, and by working together with our near neighbouring local authorities we can ensure that the voices of today really can shape the future. So please do have your say, because the opinions of everyone in our district matter.”

Chair of the SW Herts Member Group and Leader of St Albans City and District Council, Cllr Chris White, said: “I want to thank everyone who has taken the opportunity to engage with us about this important piece of work that will go on to shape the future of our area.

“This document marks the first step towards delivering a plan which will address the key issues and opportunities facing South West Hertfordshire until 2050.

"In it, we tackle the big questions head-on, such as how we balance our need for growth with the need to protect and enhance our green spaces and environment.

"There is still time to tell us what you think of our draft vision and objectives before the consultation closes. Every comment matters to us."

The South West Hertfordshire 2050 – Realising our Potential document has been developed following a poll in early 2020, which generated more than 14,500 comments, a series of workshops, and an online engagement exercise, in which participants were asked what type of future they would like to see. 

In addition, residents and businesses are being asked to give their views on a Sustainability Appraisal Scoping report, which will help us consider the environmental, social and economic effects of the joint strategic plan.

SW Herts is one of only a small number of councils in the UK working together in this way. By considering the longer-term future of a bigger area as whole, the opportunities for the future such as more Government funding for infrastructure improvements are greater.

The SW Herts JSP will not replace Local Plans. Dacorum, Hertsmere, St Albans City & District, Three Rivers and Watford are still required to have in place their own up-to-date plans.

The full document is available to view at www.swhertsplan.com/consultation .