THE HARPENDEN NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN REFERENDUM What is a Neighbourhood Plan? A Neighbourhood Plan is a community-led planning document that guides the future growth, regeneration and conservation of an area. It is about the use of land and may allocate key sites for specific kinds of development. A Neighbourhood Plan sets out the community’s views on the development and use of land in their neighbourhood, in contrast to the St Albans District Local Plan which influences the whole of the St Albans District. Who has created the Neighbourhood Plan? Five Themed Working Groups comprising of community representatives and Town Councillors have developed the Neighbourhood Plan. The preparation of the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan was overseen by a Steering Group made up of representatives from the local community, Harpenden Town Council and Harpenden Rural Parish Council.
The Referendum will take place on 7 February 2019. The people of Harpenden will have the opportunity to vote on whether the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan should be adopted and used by St Albans City & District Council when they make decisions in regard to planning applications.
Your vote counts Don't waste it! The question on the referendum ballot paper is: Do you want St Albans City & District Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Harpenden to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?
The Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan has been produced following three rounds of community engagement, informed by 3625 survey responses and 760 visits to our engagement events.
View the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan now at: Harpenden.gov.uk
To help make the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan easier to digest we have split it into 5 key theme areas each with their own objectives and policies. The visions for these areas are shown below:
Employment & Retail Vision:
Environment & Sustainable Design Vision:
That Harpenden has accessible, thriving and flexible retail areas, with a vibrant, attractive Town Centre that encourages people to spend time there, by offering a diverse range of quality retail and other Town Centre uses. To create a sustainable economy that protects existing, and supports new, employment use where appropriate, making Harpenden an attractive and accessible place for both employers and employees to work.
Maintain and enhance the character of Harpenden, its neighbourhoods, communities and green spaces. Develop Harpenden as a sustainable and low carbon town.
Housing Vision: Those that grow up in Harpenden should have the capability to live here should they wish to. We will have a mixed housing offer that is well located and designed and that has the ability to meet the aspirations of different ages and demographic groups and the flexibility to integrate and accommodate people throughout their lifetime. Harpenden has a strong sense of community that is treasured by local residents. The Neighbourhood Plan will provide the foundations for Harpenden to grow sustainably for the benefit of those that live and work here.
Social Infrastructure & Community Facilities Vision: Maintain and enhance a vibrant cultural and community life through excellent school and health care provision, high quality sports, leisure and community facilities and accessible social infrastructure. Transport & Movement Vision: That Harpenden residents are able to walk and cycle around safely and comfortably, and travel is managed via predominantly environmentally friendly, interchangeable methods, with the appropriate quantity and quality of cycle storage and parking provision, in an atmosphere of sustainable growth and significantly reduced pollution.
View the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan now at: Harpenden.gov.uk
IT'S YOURÂ PLAN The Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan was created and shaped by the views of people who live and work in Harpenden. Engagement events and widereaching surveys were conducted to gather opinions, responses and ideas to mould the objectives and policies. This means the Plan is actually based on what the people of Harpenden want for the Town - not just what Harpenden Town Council thinks the Town needs. View the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan now at: Harpenden.gov.uk
SENDS A STRONG
MESSAGE
A Neighbourhood Plan on its own can't prevent development, but it tells developers the way we want our Town to be. It must be considered by the planning authority when deciding whether new developments are approved. The desired outcome is that developers adhere to the vision that the people of Harpenden have for their Town.
View the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan now at: Harpenden.gov.uk
TO PROTECT HARPENDEN Having no Neighbourhood Plan means that Harpenden could be targeted by those developers who build for profit as opposed to purpose. Having a Neighbourhood Plan means we will be able to influence development within the Town.
This would make sure that future development is in the interest of the people of Harpenden, instead of the developers.
View the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan now at: Harpenden.gov.uk
HOMES THAT WE NEED The Neighbourhood Plan emphasises that any future housing development must suit the needs of local people.
This means a focus on smaller homes which are primarily 2/3 bedroom properties.
This beneďŹ ts both young families and older people who are looking to downsize and stay in Harpenden.
View the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan now at: Harpenden.gov.uk
SUPPORTING INFRASTRUCTURE The Neighbourhood Plan sets out key policies for supporting infrastructure in Harpenden.
This includes parking, road improvements, health services and community facilities.
It sets out to protect key employment sites, open spaces and other important assets.
View the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan now at: Harpenden.gov.uk
HARPENDEN'S
CHARACTER
A key objective of the Neighbourhood Plan is to ensure that any new development preserves the character and feel of Harpenden. Major proposals must demonstrate how they will complement Harpenden's character and appearance.
Important green spaces have been identiďŹ ed in the Neighbourhood Plan and will remain protected and preserved.
View the Harpenden Neighbourhood plan now at: Harpenden.gov.uk
PROTECTING
THE GREEN BELT The Neighbourhood Plan also recognises the role of the Green Belt and supports the prioritisation of its protection. The Neighbourhood Plan proposes development in the built-up areas of Harpenden to minimise the amount of new housing in the Green Belt.
The Neighbourhood Plan aims to ensure that new development is supported by appropriate increases to infrastructure.
View the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan now at: Harpenden.gov.uk
WHAT DOES THE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN SAY ABOUT...
PARKING POLICY T10 - TOWN CENTRE PARKING
This policy supports development proposals that... Increase car parking and cycle storage capacity within Harpenden Town Centre. Increase capacity at the Station Car Parks and the Proposed Leisure & Cultural Centre. Introduce second tiers to surface car parks.
POLICY T11 - RESIDENTIAL PARKING STANDARDS This policy focuses on... New homes built in Harpenden providing off-street parking for cars and bicycles. Proposed parking meeting the anticipated demand. Garages having a minimum dimension of 6m long by 3m wide and an appropriate height.
View the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan now at: Harpenden.gov.uk
WHAT DOES THE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN SAY ABOUT...
HOUSING POLICY H3 - DWELLING SIZE AND TYPE
This policy focuses on... Developers being required to submit a Dwellings Mix Strategy for major residential developments. Proposed developments meeting the demonstrated need for different sizes and types of housing. Not supporting proposals that don't meet this need.
POLICY H6 - AFFORDABLE HOUSING This policy focuses on... Housing developments having to provide at least 40% affordable housing. Having affordable housing fully integrated within residential developments. Both socially rented and intermediate housing being provided.
View the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan now at:Â Harpenden.gov.uk
WHAT DOES THE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN SAY ABOUT...
BIODIVERSITY & TREES? POLICY ESD13 - BIODIVERSITY This policy focuses on... Protection and enhancement of biodiversity. Not causing harm to the habitats of protected species. Encouraging green roofs and walls. Developments incorporating design features which support local wildlife.
POLICY ESD14 - TREES This policy focuses on... Design proposals that retain trees. Proposals not resulting in unacceptable loss of – or damage to – existing trees , woodlands or hedges The replacement of trees at a minimum 2:1 ratio within the site. The planting of additional trees that reduce or absorb air pollution.
View the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan now at: Harpenden.gov.uk
WHAT DOES THE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN SAY ABOUT...
HEALTHCARE POLICY SI7 - ACCESSIBLE GP PRACTICES
This policy focuses on... New major residential developments making appropriate funding towards GP provision. Developers of significant residential developments including on-site provision. Ensuring that developers provide the right funding for health provision by engaging with health authorities early on in the planning process.
POLICY SI8 - HARPENDEN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL This policy focuses on... Supporting proposals to redevelop the Harpenden Memorial Hospital provided that they retain a healthcare use which enables residents to access a wide range of health services and support in one place with increased GP provision being part of these proposals.
View the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan now at: Harpenden.gov.uk
WHAT DOES THE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN SAY ABOUT...
SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS POLICY SS2 - INFRASTRUCTURE ZONES This policy focuses on... Mitigating the impact of new development by providing the following criteria: Significant development proposals in the North West must: Demonstrate how impact of new development on the A1081 and local roads will be mitigated. Demonstrate provision for appropriate education facilities in close proximity to new development to meet the need for school places arising from the proposed development*. Demonstrate sufficient convenience shopping within a close proximity to new development*. Demonstrate sufficient open space, including recreational space in line with local community needs, within a close proximity to new development*. Significant development proposals in the South West must: Demonstrate how impact of new development on the A1081 and Redbourn Road will be mitigated. Demonstrate how Harpenden Common will not be negatively impacted by new development including key views in to and from the Common. Demonstrate adequate convenience shopping provision in close proximity to new development*. Demonstrate provision for appropriate education facilities in close proximity to new development to meet the need for school places arising from the proposed development*. Demonstrate sufficient open space, including recreational space in line with local community needs, within a close proximity to new development*.
Significant development proposals in the North East must: Demonstrate how impact of new development on the Lower Luton Road and Station Road will be mitigated. Incorporate a proportionate amount of public open space in accordance with community needs, including sports and recreational space*. Demonstrate provision for appropriate education facilities in close proximity to new development to meet the need for school places arising from the proposed development*. Demonstrate sufficient convenience shopping within a close proximity to new development*. Significant development proposals in the South East must: Demonstrate how impact on Southdown Road, Grove Road, Wheathampstead Road and Piggotshill Lane will be mitigated. Demonstrate provision for appropriate education facilities in close proximity to new development to meet the need for school places arising from the proposed development*. Demonstrate sufficient open space, including recreational space in line with local community needs, within a close proximity to new development*. Demonstrate how pressure on parking will not significantly increase as a result of the proposed development.
Major development proposals in Harpenden Town Centre must: Demonstrate how road congestion will be mitigated or reduced as a result of the proposed development. Demonstrate how the proposed development will protect the character and appearance of the historic town centre. Demonstrate how pressure on parking will not significantly increase as a result of the proposed development.
*Residential developments only
For a definition of Major and Significant Developments please see Plan Glossary
View the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan now at: Harpenden.gov.uk
HOW IS THE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN DIFFERENT FROM THE...LOCAL PLAN
WHERE ARE WE NOW?
Harpenden Town Council produced the Neighbourhood Plan, consulting with local people through 3 rounds of engagement and receiving 3625 survey responses, and 760 visits to our engagement events.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE HARPENDEN NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN (HNP) AND THE LOCAL PLAN (LP)?
The Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan was based on engagement with our local people. It was shaped by Harpenden, for Harpenden. The Neighbourhood plan, therefore, is a true reflection of what Harpenden people want for the future of the Town.
The Local Plan is produced with the entire District in mind and takes Government Guidelines for future development into account. It doesn't cover certain aspects such as the character and appearance of any future development. The LP is still in the development stage.
The area covered in the LP is 161.2 square Kilometers. Harpenden accounts for only around 22 square Kilometers of this, around 13.5% of the total area of the St Albans District. Both documents cover our area, so they will both have an effect on future development in Harpenden.
National District
National Planning Policy Framework St Albans Local Plan
Town
Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan
The LP has identified sites for development on a largely strategic basis which includes land in the Green Belt. The HNP identifies some smaller brownfield sites for development.
View the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan now at: Harpenden.gov.uk
HOW WILL THE HARPENDEN NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN SHAPE...
ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
WHERE ARE WE NOW?
Harpenden is a town that embraces its natural environment, most notably Harpenden Common which provides protected and undeveloped green space directly to the heart of the Town, as well as Batford Springs Nature Reserve which was recently acquired by Harpenden Town Council.
The main types of air pollution within the St Albans District are:
NITROUS OXIDE (NO )
In 2015, each person contributed:
4.3 TONNES
2
+ airborne particles, mostly from vehicle emissions *
in carbon emmisions within the St Albans District *
*2017 St Albans City & District CouncilAir Quality Annual Status Report
*BEIS CO2 emissions estimates
Our Environment & Sustainable Design vision in the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan is to maintain and enhance the character of Harpenden, its neighbourhoods, communities and green spaces and to develop Harpenden as a sustainable and low carbon Town.
There are District-wide policies to combat all types of pollution:
The Neighbourhood Plan can tailor these to fit what Harpenden needs and will need in the future.
OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES ALSO COVERED IN THE PLAN: Maintain and enhance the quality and character of all the varied green spaces Protect Harpenden’s key views and outlooks ensuring the visual impact of development is minimised Improve and develop public access to green spaces, to rivers and to the natural environment Require developments to promote sustainable living and be of sustainable and energy efficient design Conserve and enhance local character and heritage Encourage and support renewable energy generation and storage projects Require developments to reduce flood risk through sustainable solutions Require developments to design streets as communities giving prime consideration to the needs of pedestrians and cyclists.
View the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan now at: Harpenden.gov.uk
HOW WILL THE HARPENDEN NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN SHAPE...
TRANSPORT &
MOVEMENT WHERE ARE WE NOW?
Congestion and difficulty parking are frequently experienced in Harpenden and this problem is getting worse.
OVER15THOUSAND
MOTOR VEHICLES WERE RECORDED USING THE A1081 PER DAY IN 2015* *AVERAGE WEEKDAY FLOW BASED ON HCC DATA
Our Transport & Movement vision is for Harpenden residents to be able to walk and cycle around safely and comfortably, and for travel to be managed via predominantly environmentally friendly, interchangeable methods in an atmosphere of sustainable growth and significantly reduced pollution.
One of the main focuses in this area of the Neighbourhood Plan is encouraging sustainable transport options and facilities in the Town.
Electric vehicles
Cycling
Footpaths
New development proposals that are likely to generate a significant amount of traffic must provide and agree a Travel Plan. This should set out how opportunities for encouraging, helping and supporting the use of, and improvement to, travel modes have been made and will be delivered with the aim of reducing pollution levels. Parking is a key issue in Harpenden, particularly in the Town Centre, where car parks are often congested. In the Neighbourhood Plan, appropriate proposals to increase car parking and cycle storage capacity within Harpenden Town Centre are supported.
Transport and Movement objectives: Create an environment that promotes walking, cycling and community public transport as first choice modes for all residents. Integrate modes of transport, for example through strategically located cycle storage. Create car-free travel plans for getting to and from all Harpenden schools. Reduce road traffic pollution and improve air quality. Ensure new developments include proportionate to scale transport infrastructure. Ensure new developments increase the density of walking and cycling routes and provide new crossings where appropriate. Ensure car and cycle parking within the Town, and transport to the Town, supports the viability of the Town Centre.
View the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan now at: Harpenden.gov.uk
HOW WILL THE HARPENDEN NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN SHAPE...
EMPLOYMENT & RETAIL WHERE ARE WE NOW?
Harpenden Town Centre functions as a destination for residents of surrounding villages as well as Harpenden and incorporates a wide-ranging retail offer.
88%
of people who responded to our calls for engagement supported the protection of existing shopping areas in Harpenden
Our Employment & Retail vision is that Harpenden has accessible, thriving and flexible retail areas and creates a sustainable economy that protects existing and new employment use, making Harpenden an attractive and accessible place for both employers and employees to work.
The HNP will protect key retail and employment sites in Harpenden
but these will need to be expanded upon as well as protected to serve a growing population.
Retail and employment sites identified by the plan: Coldharbour Lane Kinsbourne Green Batford North Harpenden Batford Mill Ind. Estate Town Centre Rothamsted Research Southdown Southdown Ind. Estate
Retail and employment objectives: Support a prosperous economy through encouraging improvements to existing employment and retail areas. Maintain retail and employment centres that are adaptable. Provide a community atmosphere for the Town Centre where all people can relax and socialise. Promote easy access and increase footfall to town & local centres. Manage an attractive eating, drinking and entertainment scene. Support the principle of residents having easy access to small local convenience shops. Protect existing employment and retail sites. Support small and medium enterprises.
View the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan now at: Harpenden.gov.uk
HOW WILL THE HARPENDEN NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN SHAPE...
SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE & COMMUNITY FACILITIES
WHERE ARE WE NOW?
Harpenden benefits from a wide network of social infrastructure and community facilities, which needs to be increased as the Town grows in size.
16 nurseries 3 GP surgeries 11 primary schools 1 private hospital 3 secondary schools
Our Town hosts
and a large number of faith, sports, arts and other cultural facilities and organisations.
The Social Infrastructure and Community Facilities Vision for Harpenden is to maintain and enhance a vibrant cultural and community life through excellent school and healthcare provision, high-quality sports, leisure and community facilities and accessible social infrastructure.
There are already plans in Harpenden for a new:
School Leisure & Cultural Facility 3G Sports Pitches Health & Wellbeing Centre But as the town expands, there will be a greater need for more community facilities.
A key policy in this area of the plan states that development proposals that would lead to the loss of community buildings or facilities will not be granted planning permission unless the use is suitably reprovided elsewhere, or it can be clearly demonstrated that the building or facility is no longer required.
Social Infrastructure & Community Facilities objectives: There is an accessible place, at a good school, for every local child whose parents want to see them educated in the Town. Ensure that the health and wellbeing needs of the population of Harpenden and surrounding villages are met and plan for the future provision of services to accommodate an expanding and ageing population. Ensure development includes an appropriate provision of utility infrastructure and contributes to the quality of services infrastructure throughout the Neighbourhood Plan area. Enhance the provision of sports, leisure and cultural facilities and play areas to meet the needs of all age groups, including recreation in the open countryside. Support the aspirations of Harpenden’s sports clubs to deliver excellent facilities. Support the provision and enhancement of facilities for voluntary and community organisations, faith groups and schools, that are easily available for community use. Support the development of additional overnight accommodation in appropriate locations, including hotels, to address the needs of visitors to the Town.
View the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan now at: Harpenden.gov.uk
HOW WILL THE HARPENDEN NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN SHAPE...
HOUSING Housing is a key issue locally. We anticipate that the emerging St Albans Local Plan will seek to provide a significant amount of new housing in the Harpenden Area, including through the release of strategic sites from the Green Belt.
WHERE ARE WE NOW?
While the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan cannot control the amount of housing required in Harpenden over the next 15 years, it will have a say on the type, size, design and affordability of housing, ensuring it meets the needs of the whole community.
This equates to a focus on building...
1 to 2 bed flats/bungalows and
2 to 3 bedroom family homes To encourage first-time buyers and allow older people to downsize
SO WE CAN PREVENT BUILDINGS NOT IN-KEEPING WITH THE AREA BEING BUILT
ENSURE THAT A MIX OF HOUSING IS CONSIDERED, NOT JUST THOSE WHICH WILL BE MOST PROFITABLE
£ AND SPECIFY A MAXIMUM DENSITY AND APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS OF NEW BUILDS
The Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan's objectives for housing are: Provide a mix of housing that meets current gaps in the housing market - specifically 1 to 2 bed flats/bungalows and 2 to 3 bedroom family homes. Encourage starter homes and intermediate housing including support for key workers. Support the ability for older people to downsize should they wish to. Support the redevelopment of housing stock that is coming to the end of its lifespan.
View the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan now at: Harpenden.gov.uk