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This is just a reminder that the Draft Local Plan Regulation 18 consultation is currently running and if you have not already done so you can read and comment on the Draft Plan, the Herefordshire Design Code and Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) documents via Herefordshire Council <a href="https://consultations.herefordshire.gov.uk/consultations/article/114/draft-herefordshire-local-plan-regulation-18-consultation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Local Plan consultation pages</a> or directly through <a href="https://hlp.commonplace.is/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Commonplace</a> up until the 20th May. &nbsp;We have also designed a <a href="https://hlp.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/r18-youth-questionnaire/step1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Young Persons Survey</a>, as we want to get the views and opinions of the young people that live in the county.&nbsp;Consultation materials that have accompanied the consultation roadshows are also being displayed this weekend in the middle kiosk at <a href="https://oldmarkethereford.co.uk/">Old Market</a> in Hereford. &nbsp;Here you will able to see maps and details of proposed allocations and policies. &nbsp;Please note this is just a display and not a manned consultation event.

Draft Herefordshire Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation - Closes Monday 20 May 2024

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Draft Herefordshire Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 25 March to 20 May 2024The Draft Local Plan Regulation 18 consultation is currently running and you can read and comment on the Draft Plan, the Herefordshire Design Code and Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) documents via Herefordshire Council <a data-uw-original-href="https://consultations.herefordshire.gov.uk/consultations/article/114/draft-herefordshire-local-plan-regulation-18-consultation" data-uw-rm-brl="PR" href="https://consultations.herefordshire.gov.uk/consultations/article/114/draft-herefordshire-local-plan-regulation-18-consultation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Local Plan consultation pages</a> or directly through <a data-uw-original-href="https://hlp.commonplace.is/" data-uw-rm-brl="PR" href="https://hlp.commonplace.is/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Commonplace</a> up until the 20th May. &nbsp;We have also designed a <a data-uw-original-href="https://hlp.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/r18-youth-questionnaire/step1" data-uw-rm-brl="PR" href="https://hlp.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/r18-youth-questionnaire/step1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Young Persons Survey</a>, as we want to get the views and opinions of the young people that live in the county.&nbsp; Consultation Roadshows - NEW EVENING DATES ADDEDTwo new evening consultation roadshow dates have been added to the original roadshow timetable following feedback:Tuesday 30 April - <a data-uw-original-href="https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/directory-record/31/ross-on-wye-library" data-uw-rm-brl="PR" href="https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/directory-record/31/ross-on-wye-library" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ross-on-Wye Library</a> - 4pm to 7pmTuesday 7 May - <a data-uw-original-href="https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/directory-record/1301/burgage-hall" data-uw-rm-brl="PR" href="https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/directory-record/1301/burgage-hall" id="isPasted" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Burgage Hall Ledbury (opposite the Prince of Wales Pub) -&nbsp;</a>4pm to 7pm &nbsp;

Draft Herefordshire Local Plan Consultation  - NEW EVENING ROADSHOW DATES ADDED

Today we are launching the (Regulation 18) consultation on the Draft Herefordshire Local Plan 2021 - 2041. &nbsp;As you have previously singed up for updates you are therefore being notified of this consultation.&nbsp;The Herefordshire Draft Local Plan document sets out the planning framework for the county for the period to 2041 and covers issues such as housing provision, the economy, retail and town centres, infrastructure provision and the environment. It will also set out policies by which planning applications will be determined, in addition to allocation land for new housing and commercial development and associated infrastructure.The consultation will run from the 25th March to the 20th May. We invite you to read the consultation documents carefully and submit a response via the <a href="https://hlp.commonplace.is/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Commonplace website</a>.&nbsp;To help illustrate the policies and to put them into context, an <a href="https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/local-plan-1/local-plan-2021-2041/3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">interactive map</a> has been published alongside the draft plan which can be viewed on the <a href="https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/local-plan-1/local-plan-2021-2041" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"></a>Herefordshire Council Local Plan interactive map page and to accompany the plan. &nbsp;There are also a number of other supporting documents available on our <a href="https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/local-plan-1/local-plan-2021-2041" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a>. we are publishing four background papers on some of the strategic policy areas to provide further information on how the policies have been developed.As part of the consultation, we are also asking local residents to provide feedback on the current design of the built environment in Hereford and the market towns and how this can be improved through a <a href="https://hlp.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/r18-design-codes/step1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Herefordshire-wide design code</a><a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/creating-a-design-code"></a>. &nbsp;Find out more about design codes <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/creating-a-design-code" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.In addition to the information provided online, members of Herefordshire Council&rsquo;s strategic planning team will be available to speak to in person at several locations across the county throughout late March and most of April. Further information of dates and locations for these events are available on the <a href="https://consultations.herefordshire.gov.uk/consultations/article/114/draft-herefordshire-local-plan-regulation-18-consultation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Local Plan web page</a><a href="https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/local-plan-1/local-plan-2021-2041" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"></a>.If you have any questions concerning the consultation, please contact us at <a href="mailto:ldf@herefordshire.gov.uk">ldf@herefordshire.gov.uk</a>.&nbsp;

The Hereford Draft Local Plan 2021 - 2041 Consultation is now LIVE

The new Local Plan will determine growth and development in Herefordshire over the next 20 years. Place Shaping explores options on areas for new housing and employment across the county.

Your County, Your Views

Would you like Herefordshire Council to contact you directly via email about future planning policies?

Herefordshire Local Plan 2021-2041

Backfill newGeocode field for projects with postcode or lat and long fields

Promoting sustainable growth of Ledbury through housing and employment

Place Shaping: Ledbury

Ledbury is a market town in the east of Herefordshire with a town centre offering a broad choice of shops and services that serve residents and a relatively large rural catchment area. It functions as the main market town in the eastern part of the county. The town centre Conservation Area has a distinctive character with well-preserved narrow alleys lined with timber Tudor buildings. Ledbury attracts many visitors throughout the year drawn to its rich history and periodic festivals. The town has good rail links to regional cities and towns as well as routes to London.Development in and around Ledbury is constrained by a number of issues, the western edge of Ledbury is at risk of flooding along the River Leadon and further west of that is Wall Hills Fort Scheduled Ancient Monument. To the east of Ledbury is Malvern Hills National Landscape which covers the majority of land to the east of the town.There is limited readily available previously developed (brownfield) land in Ledbury. As with other settlements, it is expected that a process of redevelopment, infill developments, and changes of use will continue to provide a supply of new homes and other uses, but these opportunities are relatively modest and will not address the identified need for the majority of new homes in particular. New greenfield allocations are therefore necessary in order to deliver the required growth. Infrastructure such as transport, utilities, broadband connectivity and community facilities is needed to support this growth.

You can find the policy wording together with information about this topic in the ‘Ledbury’ section of the Local Plan.

Reg_18_PlaceShaping_Ledbury.pdf

Here you can find useful links to our web pages and to important documents.

USEFUL LINKS

Please follow the link below for the relevant sections of the Draft Local Plan and evidence base

Are you 13 - 18? Tell us your views on the future of Herefordshire

Young Persons Survey

<h2>❓ What is a Local plan?</h2>The Local Plan is an important planning document that helps to shape Herefordshire, by looking at how we as a community can plan for where new housing, businesses, industry, community facilities like schools, medical facilities, community halls as well as transport links should go in the future. It is also about looking at what land should be kept available for recreation, farming and wildlife.It&rsquo;s all about how we utilise our space now and in the future. &nbsp;The purpose of the Draft Local Plan consultation and questionnaire is to talk to members of the public to find out what they think of the Local Plan, and that their concerns, which can be addressed through the Local Plan have been met. It provides an opportunity for people to have a say in the future of where they live.&nbsp;We have created a summary and a shorter questionnaire for younger people who live and go to school or college in Herefordshire, as&nbsp;your views and opinions are really important in shaping the county you live in.

Young Persons Reg18 Draft Local Plan Leaflet

<h2>Vision</h2>The vision for the Local Plan sets the scene for how the county will be at 2041. It is based on the three themes of Environment, Community and
Economy.

What will we do with your data? &nbsp;All personal data will be treated in line with our obligations under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This means your personal data will not be shared. For more information on our privacy policy, click <a href="https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/directory-record/5907/forward-planning-privacy-notice" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> to find out more.(You are free to request for your contact details to be removed at any time in the future)

Young Persons Reg18 Draft Local Plan Leaflet Accessible Version.pdf

Supplementing Local Plan policies by setting out design guidance 

Design Codes

Design Code Questionnaire

Herefordshire Design Code&nbsp;Design Codes will supplement Local Plan policies by setting out design guidance for various types of development, including requirements for design quality and will help shape development in Herefordshire.The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 introduced a legal requirement for Local Planning Authorities to produce an area-wide design code, and therefore the council intends to publish a document alongside the updated Local Plan.&nbsp;&nbsp;A design code is a set of design requirements for the physical development of a site or area. It is made up of rules that are clear, specific and unambiguous, and it should normally include extensive graphical illustrations. The code should build upon a design vision, such as a masterplan or other design and development framework for a site or area.The development of the countywide design code is still in its early stages - the analysis stage of reviewing and gathering evidence. As part of the consultation on the Draft Local Plan (Regulation 18), the council will inform the public of what design codes are and how we expect to roll them out. The purpose of this consultation is to find out what the public think of the current design of Hereford, the market towns and villages in Herefordshire, their concerns, and suggestions for how it can be improved.The purpose of this consultation and questionnaire is to consult members of the public to find out what they think of the current design of our city, towns and villages in Herefordshire, their concerns, and suggestions of how this can be improved. This will also inform the public of what design codes are and how we expect to roll them out in the county. The Design Code Consultation runs alongside the Draft Local Plan 2021-2041 Regulation 18 consultation, from 25 March 2024 to 20 May 2024.&nbsp;

Check out the following documents

Design in general

Planning Applications

Design Code hierarchy

Herefordshire Draft Local Plan Design Codes.pdf

Promoting sustainable growth and protecting the character of rural areas

Place Shaping: Rural areas

Herefordshire is a rural county, with the rural areas making up both the majority of the land and population mass. Of those, the majority live in villages that are dispersed across the county. Agriculture stands as the cornerstone of the rural economy and is of national importance given the abundant high-quality agricultural land. The rural areas feature abundant natural landscapes, habitats, and heritage, such as the Malvern Hills and Wye Valley National Landscapes. Various designations protect these assets, preserving their unique landscape, flora, and fauna.This strategy seeks to promote sustainable growth and balance the need to protect the natural beauty and character of the rural areas by way of an updated Rural Settlement Hierarchy identifying the most sustainable locations for growth, whilst helping to minimise carbon emissions and supporting the local community in adapting to the future impacts of climate change, taking into consideration its needs, opportunities, and constraints.

You can find the policy wording together with information about this topic in the ‘Rural areas’ section of the Local Plan.

Reg_18_PlaceShaping_RuralAreas.pdf

Promoting sustainable growth of Hereford through housing and employment

Place Shaping: Hereford

Hereford is the county town of Herefordshire. It provides regionally important employment, retail, leisure, healthcare and learning opportunities for those living and working in the city, as well as in the surrounding towns and villages.Hereford city has a population of around 60,000. It is recognised for its rich historical value and attractive position on the River Wye. The city is home to one of only five Areas of Archaeological Importance (AAI) in the country, bounded by medieval city walls, as well as some early twentieth century suburbs and monastic precincts. This historical value is further reflected in that it has seven Conservation Areas. The city has the county&rsquo;s most comprehensive transport links, with its train station directly serving destinations such as London, Cardiff, Birmingham and Manchester, and various bus links connecting the city with the rest of the county and parts of Wales.The River Wye runs through Hereford towards the south of the city centre. There are only two road crossings over the river, which contributes to congestion on the A49 running through the centre of the city. Owing to the high volumes of traffic in the city causing higher levels of pollution, there is an Air Quality Management Area located at the corner of the A49 trunk road and the A438. The city benefits from various pedestrian and cycle links, which are used for both commuting and recreation.Hereford suffers from periodic flooding, affecting areas around the River Wye and northern parts of the city around Yazor Brook. Flood alleviation schemes are in place on the Yazor Brook and in the area immediately south of the River Wye.Hereford needs more homes and employment land to ensure that future generations of people can thrive here. It also needs to adapt to climate change, respond to the ecological emergency and build a stronger and more prosperous economy. The policies set out below seeks to address these issues, whilst providing for the sustainable growth of the city.

You can find the policy wording together with information about this topic in the ‘Hereford’ section of the Local Plan.

Reg_18_PlaceShaping_Hereford.pdf

Promoting sustainable growth of Leominster through housing and employment

Place Shaping: Leominster

Leominster is a historic market town located in the north of the county. It plays an important role as the main centre for the surrounding rural areas having a variety of services and facilities. These include housing, employment, retail, community and leisure services. It has good rail links to Hereford and beyond, but there is potential to increase opportunities for active and sustainable travel. Leominster town centre is part of the Heritage Action Zone programme which seeks to rejuvenate high streets that are rich in heritage and potential. The projects associated with this funding will help to enhance the town centre by focusing on the town&rsquo;s historic value and will stimulate its economic growth and tourism potential.There are existing pressures on services and facilities in Leominster which impact on the place shaping policies for the town. These include traffic congestion and air quality issues as well as taking into account the extensive areas of land liable to flooding surrounding the town. Although there is potential for the redevelopment of some brownfield land in the town centre, these are mostly relatively small in scale and therefore have not been identified within the draft Local Plan. However, opportunities within the town centre for redevelopment are encouraged in principle, subject to meeting policy requirements, and should be identified in the revised Leominster Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP). Being non-strategic, however, these potential sites will not provide enough housing to meet the housing requirement for Leominster up to 2041 and there is a requirement to allocate additional land for housing and employment as set out in the LEOM policies below.

You can find the policy wording together with information about this topic in the ‘Leominster’ section of the Local Plan.

Reg_18_PlaceShaping_Leominster.pdf

Promoting sustainable growth of Ross-on-Wye through housing and employment

Place Shaping: Ross-on-Wye

Ross on Wye is located in the south east of Herefordshire, on the River Wye, close to the border with Gloucestershire. Although the town does not have a railway station, it benefits from good road links to Gloucester and Cheltenham via the A40 to the east, Ledbury via the A449, Hereford via the A49 and Monmouth via the A40 to the south. The end of the M50, sometimes called the Ross Spur, lies to the east of the town and links up with the M5 motorway. The town has a population of 10,978 and spans an area of 343 hectares.The town performs an important role as a service centre for the nearby rural population and is a popular tourist destination. Whilst it is an attractive place to live and work, Ross on Wye faces several significant environmental constraints that restrict future growth; the River Wye runs along the western edge of the town and floods periodically, the local road network has limited capacity and the Wye Valley National Landscape covers a significant proportion of the town and its adjoining countryside.This strategy seeks to promote the sustainable growth of Ross on Wye, while helping to minimise carbon emissions and supporting the local community in adapting to the future impacts of climate change, taking into consideration its needs, opportunities and constraints.

You can find the policy wording together with information about this topic in the ‘Ross-on-Wye’ section of the Local Plan.

Reg_18_PlaceShaping_RossonWye.pdf

Delivering 16,100 homes & need for pitches and plots for Travellers 

 Accommodating Future Growth

The Herefordshire Housing Market and Needs Assessment (HMANA) 2021 established a baseline housing requirement for the next 20-year period of around 17,000 dwellings. This figure is reviewed annually using the government&rsquo;s &lsquo;standard method&rsquo; for calculating needs based on future population projections. In 2023, this revised the requirement down to 16,100 dwellings for the period 2021-2041. Delivery of this target will be proportionally distributed between Hereford City, the county&rsquo;s five market towns, and across the identified settlements in the rural areas.&nbsp;To provide increased support for communities that have a locally identified and evidenced need to deliver affordable homes, sites which are within or adjacent to existing settlements outside of the identified Rural Settlement Hierarchy.Local Planning Authorities are required to set pitch targets for Gypsies and Travellers and plot targets for Travelling Show People which address the likely permanent and transit site accommodation needs of Travellers in Herefordshire over the plan period. It is important to ensure that there is an adequate supply of pitches and plots for all groups of Travellers on authorised sites in the county. Without a permanent site, it is difficult for traveller families to access basic health care, support and education services.&nbsp;

You can find the policy wording together with information about this topic in ‘Accommodating future growth’ document

Policy AG4 is for locating developments of rural exception site affordable housing, self and custom build and Community Led Housing developments outside of the settlement hierarchy of the identified 68 villages. &nbsp;Do you agree with the basis with for the policy approach taken here? &nbsp;

Reg18_Strategic_Policies_AccommodateGrowth.pdf

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