Issue - meetings

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth presented the report. Members were advised that the Council had agreed to update the District Plan, with formal work scheduled to commence in autumn 2026. It was noted that the development of the Plan would require a comprehensive and robust evidence base to inform future planning policies and ensure they addressed key local priorities.

The Hertfordshire Healthy and Safe Places Framework, produced by the Hertfordshire Growth Board, promoted the integration of health considerations into planning to support improved outcomes and reduce inequalities. The framework also encouraged the use of health impact assessments, master-planning and community engagement as part of the planning process.

Members were asked to agree that the framework be adopted as part of the evidence base for the emerging Local Plan and be used as a material consideration in the determination of planning applications.

Councillor Glover-Ward, the Executive Member for Planning and Growth proposed that the recommendations in the report be supported. Councillor Swainston seconded the proposal.

Members raised questions regarding the application of the Healthy and Safe Places Framework. Concerns were expressed about the vulnerability of Gypsy and Traveller communities, and whether additional planning considerations could be applied to support their needs. It was confirmed that welfare checks were undertaken where sites were occupied and that further consideration would be given to planning provisions for these communities.

Members also highlighted concerns about whether the aims of the framework could be achieved without sufficient infrastructure funding, particularly in relation to congestion, pollution and sustainable transport. In response, it was noted that improved approaches to developer contributions, including more robust Section 106 agreements linked to occupation thresholds, had strengthened the Council’s ability to secure infrastructure delivery.

Support was expressed for the integration of health considerations into planning, particularly the stronger links to air quality and environmental health. However, concerns were raised about wider infrastructure issues, including wastewater capacity and sewage discharges. It was clarified that these matters were largely outside the direct control of the planning system, although mechanisms existed where infrastructure providers indicated capacity constraints. Members were advised that Thames Water were due to attend Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 9 June 2026, to address concerns.

The motion to support the recommendation, having been proposed and seconded, was put to the meeting and upon a vote being taken, was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED - that (A) the Hertfordshire Healthy and Safe Places Framework (2025) attached as Appendix A, be agreed as part of the evidence base to inform the new East Herts District Plan and as a material consideration for Development Management purposes in the determination of planning applications.

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth presented the report on the Hertfordshire Healthy and Safe Places Framework. Members heard that work to update the District Plan would begin in 2026 and would require extensive supporting evidence. Members were briefed on the Healthy and Safe Places Framework, which provided guidance for integrating health and safety considerations into planning.

The framework promoted a ‘health in all policies’ approach and encouraged the use of health impact assessments and engagement in planning processes. It was proposed that the framework be adopted as part of the evidence base for the new District Plan and used as a material consideration in determining planning applications.

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth proposed the recommendations as detailed in the report. The Executive Member for Wellbeing seconded the proposal.

Members asked whether the introduction of the Healthy and Safe Places Framework would affect how Section 106 contributions were identified or prioritised. It was explained that while the framework would support future policy development, it would not change current Section 106 process, which would continue to relate directly to mitigating the impact of new developments.

A question was raised about whether the framework might encourage Highways to consider healthier street design principles. It was noted that the framework would feed into the new District Plan and could influence future policies but would not alter existing arrangements under the current plan.

Members queried how issues such as air quality, travel patterns, construction methods and sustainable neighbourhood design would be addressed. Members heard that these themes would form part of the evidence base and policy development for the new District Plan, with the intention of promoting healthier, more sustainable communities.

The motion to support the recommendation, having been proposed and seconded, was put to the meeting and upon a vote being taken, was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – Executive recommended to Council that:

(A) the Hertfordshire Healthy and Safe Places Framework (2025) attached as Appendix A, be agreed as part of the evidence base to inform the new East Herts District Plan and as a material consideration for Development Management purposes in the determination of planning applications.