Hertsmere Borough Council
Hertsmere Local Plan Draft Regulation 18 Consultation Document
Chapter 16 Hertsmere Radlett Area
Context and Character
16.1 Radlett is one of Hertsmere’s smaller settlements. In planning terms, it is a Category III Settlement, which equates to it being a small town, but its residents value the sense of village community and strong local identity that they derive from living in Radlett
16.2 Radlett is in the south-west of the borough along the historic Watling Street corridor; the settlement has developed around this historic route and the railway line which continues to shape its structure and character. Radlett is surrounded by open countryside and retains a distinct relationship with its rural setting, which contributes significantly to its character and separation from neighbouring settlements.
16.3 Radlett benefits from strong transport connectivity, most notably through the railway station, which provides direct rail services to London and other key destinations along the Thameslink route. The settlement also benefits from road connections via Watling Street and nearby access to the M1 and M25, enabling convenient travel to surrounding towns and the wider region. Despite this connectivity, Radlett experiences traffic pressures associated with through-traffic along the High Street and surrounding routes, which influences movement across the settlement.
16.4 Radlett’s built form is largely characterised by low-density residential neighbourhoods, many of which consist of large detached and semidetached homes set within generous plots and leafy streets. These areas contribute to its distinctive suburban character and sense of openness. The settlement also contains several heritage assets and conservation areas that reflect its historic development and reinforce the character of its centre and surrounding neighbourhoods.
16.5 Radlett’s centre, located along Watling Street, serves as the focus for retail, services and community life. The centre contains a mix of independent shops, cafés, restaurants and community facilities, including cultural venues such as the Radlett Centre and Radlett Library. These facilities contribute to the strong sense of community identity associated with the village and support a range of cultural and social activities. However, parts of the centre present opportunities for enhancement, particularly in relation to public realm, pedestrian movement and strengthening the diversity of local businesses.
16.6 Radlett also benefits from a network of green spaces and surrounding countryside, which form an important component of the village’s environmental setting. Tree-lined streets, parks and nearby natural areas contribute to the quality of the local environment and support recreational opportunities for residents. Opportunities exist to strengthen these green connections and enhance biodiversity and green infrastructure across the settlement.
16.7 Radlett maintains close functional relationships with surrounding settlements, including Shenley, Aldenham, and Borehamwood, with residents frequently accessing employment, services and transport connections in these nearby locations. These relationships reinforce Radlett’srolewithintheborough’ssettlementhierarchyasasmallerbutwellconnected community that benefits from proximity to larger centres.
16.8 In accordance with the spatial strategy set out in this Local Plan, Radlett will continue to accommodate more modest and incremental growth compared with the borough’s larger settlements. Opportunities for development are expected to arise primarily through the sensitive redevelopment of previously developed land, small infill sites and the efficient use of under-utilised land within the existing urban area. Development proposals will be expected to
Hertsmere Borough Council
Hertsmere Local Plan Draft Regulation 18 Consultation Document
respect the village’s scale, character and heritage while ensuring that appropriate infrastructure is provided to support local communities.
Emerging Vision
16.9 The Local Plan will develop a Vision for the Radlett Area, which will guide how it evolves over the plan period. This vision will reflect Radlett’s role within Hertsmere’s settlement hierarchy as a distinctive and well-connected small town with a strong sense of place.
16.10 The emerging vision is expected to support carefully managed and incremental growth, focused primarily within the existing urban area. Future development will seek to deliver a mix of housing that responds to local needs, including homes suitable for younger people, families and older residents wishing to remain within the community. Growth will be delivered in a way that respects the settlement’s character and scale while making efficient use of available land.
16.11 The vision will also seek to support the enhancement of Radlett’s centre, ensuring that it continues to function as a vibrant and attractive destination for residents and visitors. Improvements to public realm, streetscape and pedestrian connections will help reinforce the centre’s role as a focal point for community life while supporting local businesses and cultural facilities.
16.12 Improving connectivity and sustainable movement will also form an important part of the vision. Opportunities will be explored to enhance walking and cycling routes, improve public transport accessibility and strengthen connections between neighbourhoods, the centre and Radlett railway station.
16.13 Radlett’s strong environmental setting will remain a defining feature. The Local Plan will seek to protect and enhance green spaces, natural corridors and biodiversity, ensuring that the surrounding countryside and landscape setting continue to contribute to the village’s character and quality of life.
Hertsmere Borough Council
Hertsmere Local Plan Draft Regulation 18 Consultation Document
16.14 Through this approach, Radlett will continue to evolve as a well-connected, distinctive and community-focused settlement, accommodating sensitive growth while maintaining the qualities that make it an attractive and valued place to live.
Key Spatial Objectives
16.15 A matrix that clearly identifies the key spatial objectives for the Radlett Area is set out below.
TO ACHIEVE THIS VISION OUR KEY SPATIAL OBJECTIVES (NOT LISTED IN ORDER OF PRIORITY) ARE TO:
1 Support carefully managed and incremental residential growth within Radlett, primarily through the sensitive redevelopment of previously developed land, infill development and the efficient use of underutilised sites within the existing urban area. Development will deliver a mix of homes that meet local needs, including smaller homes for younger residents and accessible homes for older people, while respecting the character and scale of the village.
2 Enhance and strengthen Radlett Village Centre as the focal point for community life, supporting a vibrant mix of shops, services, cultural uses and community facilities. Improvements will focus on enhancing the public realm, supporting independent businesses and strengthening the attractiveness and functionality of the High Street and surrounding areas.
3 Improve movement and connectivity within Radlett, prioritising walking, cycling and public transport. This will include enhancing connections between neighbourhoods, the village centre and Radlett railway station, improving east–west links across the railway line and supporting measures that reduce congestion and encourage more sustainable patterns of travel.
4 Protect and enhance Radlett’s distinctive character, heritage and green setting, ensuring that new development contributes positively to the village’s built and natural environment. This will include strengthening green infrastructure networks, protecting important views and open spaces, and ensuring that development maintains the qualities that define Radlett as a distinctive village within Hertsmere.
Hertsmere Borough Council
Hertsmere Local Plan Draft Regulation 18 Consultation Document
16.16 The key spatial objectives will be informed by the outputs from the settlement Visions. The above are included as examples of what is possible.
Policy HRA1 Radlett Village Centre
16.17 A strategic policy that will support the sensitive redevelopment and enhancement of sites within the village centre to strengthen its vitality and viability. Development proposals will be expected to support a diverse mix of uses, including retail, cafés, restaurants, community facilities and other town centre uses that contribute to the role of the High Street as a focal point for village life.
16.18 Opportunities will also be supported to improve the quality of public realm, shopfronts and pedestrian environments, helping to reinforce Radlett’s distinctive village character and support local businesses.
Chapter 16 Questions:
51. Question: Do you agree with the Council's recommended approach towards the delivery of the spatial strategy within the Radlett area? Yes/No.
52. Question: If you disagree with any of the content, with reference to specific sections, please provide detailed comments or suitable alternatives, and justify your answer with appropriate and proportionate evidence.