Local Development Framework

The Council's planning policies are contained in a series of documents, collectively known as the North Hertfordshire Local Development Framework (LDF).  As well as setting out the Council's planning policies and spatial vision for the District, the LDF also allocates land for housing and other land uses and provide detailed guidance on other planning related matters.  It must be in conformity with the East of England Plan, which is prepared by the East of England Regional Assembly (EERA).  The East of England Plan and North Hertfordshire LDF together are known as the development plan.

Local Development Frameworks were introduced in 2004 under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act.  They replace the previous system of Local Plans, although large parts of the North Hertfordshire District Local Plan No.2 with Alterations continue to be used.  An interactive version of the Local Plan is available at the Planning Portal This link opens in a new browser window.

The documents which currently comprise the North Hertfordshire Local Development Framework are shown in the table below.  For fuller details follow either the links on the left column of this table or those on the left hand side of the page.  Further details on the timetable for preparing these documents may be found in the Local Development Scheme.

DocumentDescriptionCurrent status*
Core StrategyThis document will include the Council's spatial vision for the district.  It will be closely linked to the priorities identified in the Sustainable Community Strategy for North Hertfordshire.In preparation
Development Policies This link opens in a new browser windowThis document will give the detailed policies against which planning applications will be assessed.In preparation
Land AllocationsThis document will identify sites to meet the District's needs for housing, employment, retail, leisure, community facilities and other uses.In preparation
Stevenage and North Hertfordshire Action PlanThis document will give detailed guidance on the development of urban extensions to Stevenage.  It is being prepared jointly with Stevenage Borough Council.In preparation
Luton Area Action Plan This link opens in a new browser windowThis document will give detailed guidance on the possible development of urban extensions to Luton.  It will only be prepared it is proven that it is necessary for land in North Hertfordshire to be developed in order to meet the requirements of the Milton Keynes and South Midlands Sub-Regional Strategy This link opens in a new browser window.Not yet started
Statement of Community Involvement This link opens in a new browser windowThis document gives details of how the public can get involved in the preparation of planning policy documents and the determination of planning applications.Adopted
27 Jul 2006
Affordable Housing This link opens in a new browser windowThe main policy on affordable housing is contained within the Core Strategy This link opens in a new browser window.  This document will supplement that policy, giving guidance on the mix of affordable housing the Council will seek from new developments.Not yet started
Planning Obligations This link opens in a new browser windowThis document considers the types of requirement (including financial contributions) which the Council may seek through legal agreements on planning applications.Adopted
2 Nov 2006
Vehicle parking provision at new development This link opens in a new browser windowThis document establishes zones within which different parking standards will be applied.Adopted
1 Mar 2006
Letchworth Garden City Town Centre Strategy This link opens in a new browser windowProvides guidance on the future of the town centre of Letchworth Garden City.Adopted
18 Jan 2007
Royston Town Centre Strategy This link opens in a new browser windowProvides guidance on the future of the town centre of Royston.Adopted
26 Jun 2008



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