About this Consultation
This document sets out the strategy for locating future development in the District. It takes account of feedback received from earlier consultations and that is why Areas of Search for housing in the Green Belt, previously consulted upon, have been removed. The consultation will contribute to the development of the Council’s full draft plan, the Core Strategy.
The Core Strategy Vision
The Core Strategy will contain the Council’s key planning policies and development proposals for the period 2011-2028. The Council has taken the opportunity, following the change in Government, to fundamentally reconsider the most appropriate balance between housing development and Green Belt protection. The previous housing target of 7,200 homes from 2001-2021 is no longer a required local target.
The Core Strategy Vision comes directly from the St Albans City & District Sustainable Community Strategy.
A progressive, unique and vibrant District, which values its environment, heritage and culture and cares for the future: an outstanding place to live where everyone can flourish.
The aim is to ensure that the District continues to flourish and evolve, maintaining its cherished and unique mix of city, towns and villages, its urban and rural Green Belt environment and its diverse heritage, while providing new opportunities to support the local economy and community.
Emphasis is given to:
• protecting, proactively managing and enhancing the Green Belt;
• delivering the necessary infrastructure to support any housing growth;
• providing affordable housing and medium-sized family housing;
• improving the District’s schools, shops and community facilities;
• reducing our carbon footprint, particularly by tackling traffic congestion.
The Core Strategy: Consultation on the Strategy for Locating Future Development in the District
The Core Strategy: Sustainability Appraisal Working Note
The purpose of the sustainability appraisal is to:
- Appraise the social, environmental and economic effects of a plan
- Help ensure that decisions are made that contribute to achieving sustainable development
- Provide a sound evidence base for the plan
- Facilitate the evaluation of alternative approaches/sites
- Demonstrate that the plan is the most appropriate given the reasonable alternatives available.
The consultation has now closed. Many thanks to those who took part.
Public surgeries were held at:
17 Jan - Harpenden Town Council, Council Chamber, Town Hall, Leyton Road, Harpenden, AL5 2LX. Time 7.30pm.
24 Jan - Parish Centre, The Common, Redbourn, AL3 7NB. Time 7.45pm.
25 Jan - St Albans City and District Council, Civic Centre, St Peter's Street, St Albans, AL1 3DL. Time 7pm.
27 Jan - Colney Heath Village Hall, 83 High Colney Heath, AL4 ONS. Time 7.45pm.
31 Jan - St Stephen Parish Centre, Station Road, Bricket Wood, AL2 3PJ. Time 7.45pm.
4 Feb - Wheathampstead Memorial Hall, Marford Road, Wheathamstead AL4 8AY. Time 6.30pm.
Councillors and planning officers were available at the meetings to provide information on the proposed strategy and to answer questions.
Leaflets were distributed at the following locations/dates:
19 Jan St Albans City Station - morning & early evening
20 Jan Harpenden Station - morning & early evening
22 Jan Waitrose, Harpenden - morning
26 Jan St Albans Market Stall - morning & afternoon
29 Jan Morrisons, St Albans - morning