Hertfordshire Strategic Planning

Hyas, working with Ove Arup & Partners, were appointed by Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) on behalf of the Hertfordshire Infrastructure Planning Partnership (HIPP) to examine options for joint working in relation to planning, infrastructure & related matters leading up to and post 2031. The workstream was set up to cover the following ground:

• Examining the merits of the different models of governance to deliver a more joined-up and strategic approach to long-term planning of growth and infrastructure;
• Reviewing alternative models for joint working emerging in other parts of the country; and
• Considering options in the context of local long-term growth and delivery challenges, including potential local scenarios such as pressures for urban intensification, expansion of existing towns (often cross boundary) and potential establishment of entirely new settlements.

The commission was to update and evolve previous consideration of joint planning and collaboration across the County area and provide clear direction to the HIPP partners on ways forward. It involved primary research into the latest advice and direction of travel with cooperation in planning, as well as direct understanding of all Local Authority perspectives on how to enhance current practices in a practical and implementable way.

The study considered current practice and evolved options going forward, including capturing issues, opportunities & implications.

The findings were presented back to HIPP enabling the partners to consider the most appropriate route forward.