Neighbourhood Plan reaches consultation stage

A neighbourhood plan created by local residents for the Kingsmead area of Hertford is the subject of a six-week public consultation, before an independent examiner is appointed by the District Council.

The Kingsmead Neighbourhood Plan (KNP) has reached 'Regulation 16 consultation' after being collated from Kingsmead residents' views expressed during formal consultations, face-to-face engagement and other consultation.

The Plan is the result of much hard work by the organisation's Steering Group, supported by four Working Groups, which form the Kingsmead Neighbourhood Plan Community Group. After the KNP has completed the Regulation 16 consultation there will be an independent assessment and finally a referendum with local residents. If the KNP achieves a majority in the referendum it will then become part of the planning requirements for Kingsmead.

The consultation will run for a 6 week period between the 22nd September and 4th November 2022. A full set of consultation documents can be viewed on East Herts District Council website, alongside an online comment form at  www.eastherts.gov.uk/kingsmeadnp. Paper copies of the plan can be viewed at East Herts Council, Hertford Town Council and Hertford Library.

KNP Planning Consultant, Jacqueline Veater (Govresources) said: "It has been an outstanding achievement for the Steering Group to prepare the Kingsmead Neighbourhood Plan for Submission to East Herts in only two years, especially considering meetings had to be on-line. Working with such dedicated and focussed residents has been an inspiring experience."

Lisa Glithero, Deputy Chair of KNP said: "As a group of local volunteers we've worked hard to make a plan that will benefit our community. I'm so happy that it has reached this stage and I look forward to seeing the difference that it will make to Kingsmead future."

Reference documents supporting the plan are available at www.knphertford.org/references or visit the website to view and comment on the forums at www.knphertford.org.