Council to consult on 34 sites suggested by landowners for possible development

The document guides decisions on future development proposals for new homes and associated infrastructure and employment in Three Rivers and is required to be submitted to the government for approval. The council is aiming to submit a final plan to the government early next year.

Following a meeting of Full Council on Tuesday 8 July, a majority of councillors agreed on a public consultation to be conducted to give communities a chance to give their views on 34 newly suggested sites put forward by landowners for the Local Plan and some new planning policies.

The consultation will be open until 31 August 2025: https://haveyoursay.threerivers.gov.uk/local-plan-newly-submitted-sites-policies-consultation

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, Council Leader and Lead Member for the Local Plan, said: “We are seeking residents views on these suggested sites put forward by landowners, not by us. No decisions have been made and whilst officers consider some suitable for development, on others they have significant concerns. We also have to assess these, and other sites previously consulted on, against our new expert green belt review we are undertaking as well as comments from statutory bodies, such as Hertfordshire Country Council highways, before any decisions are made. That is why we want residents’ views.

“We are doing the extra work required and gathering the evidence required by the government to show, I hope, that the release of too much of our precious green belt would undermine its key function, especially the merging of communities.

“We remain committed to a Local Plan that is right for Three Rivers and that we have the right amount of housing and infrastructure while protecting as much of our green belt as possible.”