Housing, warm homes and the future of local government discussed with parish councils

Representatives from parish and community councils across the district were welcomed by Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE at his latest engagement session at the district authority’s head office in Rickmansworth on Monday (8 September).

Matters covered included the district’s new Local Plan which is currently under development by the council.

A Local Plan is a document that 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.

The parish liaison meetings, launched by the Leader last year, are one of the ways in which the district council is working collaboratively with parishes to ensure they are fully informed.

Councillors and parish clerks also heard about the future of energy, in Three Rivers, retrofitting home and grants, and received an update and shared their views on the forthcoming local government reorganisation.

Cllr Giles-Medhusrt said: “It was fascinating and wide-ranging meeting, covering topics from potential house building numbers to what the future of local government might look like in a few years. It was also great to talk about the future of energy and learn further how homes can save money on their energy bills through innovative retrofit schemes - a topic close to my heart. I value these meetings highly as I believe it is so important for all parts of local government to work closely together and understand the issues and challenges facing each other.”

The parish liaison meetings take place four times per year and are hosted at Three Rivers House, the district council’s head office, in Rickmansworth.

 ● The parish liaison meeting provided an opportunity for Cllr Giles-Medhurst to formally thank and bid farewell to a long serving parish councillor - paying tribute to her hard work and dedication on behalf of the people of Sarratt. Cllr Sarah Dobson, chair of Sarratt Parish Council, is standing down from her role after nine years as a parish councillor and six years as its chair.