The deadline for an early engagement consultation is nearing for Welwyn Hatfield's latest Local Plan.

Residents have until November 4 to have their say on future developments in the borough.

The new Local Plan will set out how Welwyn Hatfield grows and develops over the next 15 years and beyond.

The consultation opened on September 23, with people able to share their ideas online or in person at drop-in sessions that were held in Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield town centres.

Comments so far have focused on the need to continue to protect the Green Belt and green spaces with brownfield sites reused or redeveloped first.

People have highlighted that new housing must meet the needs of our population – with more requests for council homes, social housing and affordable rent, and provision of bungalows for over 65s.

The need to plan ahead for infrastructure to serve new developments has also been highlighted, including crèches, doctors, pharmacies, dentists, schools (including specialist provision), roads and drainage.

Promoting active travel and reducing car dependency by addressing road safety and improving electric bus provision and rail links has featured in the comments received so far.

To meet the challenge of climate change, some people felt that thermal efficiency and renewable energy methods (eg. solar panels, heat pumps) should be included on new builds and there should be support for retro fitting these to existing properties.

Care of the sick and elderly has been identified as a future challenge as well as support for mental health.

Councillor Rose Grewal, executive member for planning said: “The early engagement process is aimed at involving residents, businesses and stakeholders from the beginning of the plan making process so we can understand shared aspirations and priorities for our borough.

"Thank you to everyone who has shared their views so far online or at one of the drop-in sessions. If you haven’t shared your ideas with us yet, please do so by November 4.

"We are particularly keen to hear from young people living in our borough. We want to hear what matters to you and what you think are the key challenges and opportunities for Welwyn Hatfield.”

Visit the New Local Plan website at welwynhatfieldlocalplan.commonplace.is/to share your ideas by November 4.