It's time to have your say on the development of North West Hatfield, after a consultation period was launched today (November 8).

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is seeking views of local residents, businesses, and developers on plans for the site - which is part of the Local Plan - with a Draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) setting out aims to build 1,750 homes.

New primary and secondary schools, a neighbourhood centre, retail and employment uses and green spaces are also included in the masterplan, which has been prepared by the landowner Gascoyne Estates, in collaboration with officers from WHBC and Hertfordshire County Council.

The consultation will be open until December 20, with Gascoyne Estates also holding a drop-in session at the Fielder Centre in Hatfield on November 26, from 3pm until 8pm.

There is a second consultation for Sustainability SPD, which aligns with the council’s key priority of 'Action on Climate', and specifies the sustainability expectations for new development proposals, setting out the measures which can encourage higher standards.

The SPD makes clear sustainability requirements that developers must deliver when planning their developments, as well as more aspirational considerations which go beyond current national/local policy requirements.

Councillor Rose Grewal, executive member for planning, said: "Sustainability is a key priority for the council and I welcome the Draft Sustainability SPD, which aims to drive up the environmental standards of developments across the Borough.

"The North West Hatfield development is the largest proposed development in our Local Plan and offers an opportunity to deliver a high quality, well connected place that adds value to existing communities.

"I would encourage as many people as possible to have their say on these important documents and take part in the consultations."

To have your say on North West Hatfield, visit www.welhat.gov.uk/nwhatfield-spd.

To have your say on the Sustainability SPD, visit www.welhat.gov.uk/planning-consultations/sustainability-supplementary-planning-document-consultation.