St Albans City & District Council has released a video explaining its reasoning behind the draft Local Plan.

A public consultation remains open until 5pm on Monday, September 25.

A host of new schools, country parks that total 'about 10 times the size of Verulamium Park' and around 15,000 new homes have all been included.

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According to the local authority, the plan prioritises the climate emergency, social housing, jobs, schools, GP surgeries, public transport, cycle paths, play areas and access to nature.

The plan has also been designed to "grow the local economy and promote equality, inclusion and fairness".

A number of Local Plan exhibitions are due to take place, at the following times:

  • St Albans City: The Civic Centre, Monday 11 September, 2pm - 8pm. 
  • Sandridge: Marshalswick Community Centre, Tuesday 12 September, 2pm - 8pm. 
  • Harpenden: The Restaurant, Rothamsted Enterprises, Harpenden Wednesday 13 September, 2pm - 8pm. 
  • London Colney: Caledon Community Centre, London Colney, Thursday 14 September, 2pm - 8pm. 

The leader of St Albans City & District Council, Cllr Chris White, said: “I am pleased at the significant response we have had from the public. 

“We appealed for everyone to give their views and help shape the future growth of the District and that message has got across. 

Herts Advertiser: “I am pleased at the significant response we have had from the public. “I am pleased at the significant response we have had from the public. (Image: Chris White)

“This is an evolving document and all the feedback we receive will be taken into account as we make any changes we feel are necessary and desired. 

“I particularly want to hear from the younger generations as they are among the people who are going to be most affected by the proposals. 

                                                                                     

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“There is still time for them and everyone else to let their voice be heard, so if you haven’t responded to our questionnaire and survey, do so now.” 

All Local Plan documents and feedback questionnaires can be viewed at www.stalbans.gov.uk/new-local-plan

Once the current consultation has been finished, spatial planning officers will recommend changes to the council’s Planning Policy and Climate Committee.

A further consultation will take place between July and September 2024, before the final draft is submitted to a Government-appointed planning inspector in December 2024.