Dacorum Local Plan Update

The consultation period for the updated Dacorum Local Plan closed in December.

The next version of the plan is due in October, after Dacorum Borough Council has finished reviewing all the responses. According to the timeline, it should go for government approval in February 2025, with adoption slated for one year later in February 2026.

However, the timeline will depend on the decision of the Marshcroft Inquiry for additional housing in Tring. This development is not included in the Local Plan, so if it is approved, the Local Plan will need another review. The decision for the Tring Marshcroft Inquiry is expected no later than 15 March.

The council said: ‘The comments provided during this consultation on our Revised Strategy for Growth will strongly influence the creation of the new Dacorum Local Plan 2024-2040.’

The Local Plan lays out the strategy for delivering new homes, jobs and investment; it will plan for important infrastructure such as schools, transport and health facilities; and will also set the council’s approach to protecting and providing parks and green spaces, and the way in which it responds to the challenges of climate change. It will also provide the policies to be considered when decisions are made on planning applications.