81% of residents say ‘yes’ to Batchworth Neighbourhood Plan

The important planning document gives residents a greater local influence over future developments in the area. The Batchworth Neighbourhood Plan was developed by a resident-led steering group set up by the community council in order to create policies that can help shape what the area will look like and support future growth.

Neighbourhood planning is a way for communities to have a say in the future of the places where they live and work. The Batchworth Neighbourhood Plan has gone through extensive consultation with residents and was recommended for approval by an independent examiner.

Neighbourhood plans help to influence the use and development of land in a specific area. They can establish a vision for the area, include general policies for the development and use of land, and bring forward sites for development.

In the referendum, which took place alongside the Hertfordshire County Council election on Thursday 1 May, 31.1% of residents voted, with 2264 (81%) backing the plan. The Plan will now go to the district council's Full Council meeting on Tuesday 20 May for confirmation.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: “I congratulate everyone who was involved in developing the plan, which will help assist in guiding local development. It has been a long road and has taken a tremendous amount of work to put the neighbourhood plan together, but this success is a testament to the dedication our local residents have for our area.”