The Hertford Town Plan

Hertford Town Council is presently leading on the production of a Town Plan for Hertford. It is intended that this will be a community activity, with other organisations in the town, stakeholders and individuals having an input into the Plan.

It is proposed to develop the plan in several stages over a 12 -18 month period, to produce a detailed, effective plan for Hertford which contains achievable aims.

The proposed areas of focus are: -

1. Population & Households
2. Tourism
3. Community Development
4. Environment
5. Transport
6. Retail Sector

In order to assist in this process, working groups are being set up. The groups will identify the requirements for any public consultation which would seek other residents' views on how they would wish to see the town develop in the years to come. If you feel you have something to contribute on any of the above areas, please contact the Town Clerk on 01992 552885.

Stage 1 - Baseline Analysis (currently underway)

In order to prepare any visioning plan for the town it is necessary to ascertain what is already in existence and consequently what is lacking. This usually results in the production of a number of documents, each examining a different aspect of life in the town, including statistical analysis.

The working groups will identify key areas upon which to focus under each heading e.g. transport may focus on walking and public footpaths. This will provide an informative stand alone document presenting a detailed analysis of the town's current position. This will be a lengthy process due to the sheer volume of existing materials generated by a three tier system of local government and the size of the town.

Stage 2 - Review/Consultation Phase

A review phase at this point will allow the Council to contribute to and analyse the results of the initial mapping exercise. The Council can then make an informed decision regarding which stakeholders should be consulted in order to develop an action plan which would inform the policy/decision makers.

It is proposed that the Town Council's Finance, Policy and Administration Committee review the work of the relevant groups at its meeting planned for 12th October 2009, at which point significant progress will have been made towards the achievement of a plan and any changes in focus or process can be recommended.

Stage 3 - Production of Plan and Action Plan

All of the above information is used to create a comprehensive overview of the current state of Hertford which enables the Council to identify areas which require development or resources in order to meet the town's needs. These action points are collated in to an action plan, listing items in order of priority and achievability.

For more details, and to take part in the Town Plan Questionaire, please click HERE for a link to the Hertford Town Council web site page.