Reader letter: have your say on Harpenden’s future

Each week I read the Harpenden edition of the Herts Advertiser and see many stories that focus on the developments and changes that are happening across the town.

Harpenden, like many places, looks different now to how it did in years gone by and the reality is that it will go through further change in the years ahead.

In the past local people may have felt that they have not had an opportunity to influence what the future of Harpenden looks like. However, that opportunity is now here.

It comes in the form of the Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan, which is giving local communities the chance to contribute to developing a shared vision for the future of our Town.

Our Neighbourhood Plan will set out where new homes, shops, offices and other development should be built and will include planning policies, such as design standards, that will need to be followed.

Since early 2017, the town council has focused on bringing together members of the community to develop our draft neighbourhood plan. In March we asked local people for their views on the key issues in the area and we received a large volume of responses.

We now need local residents, businesses and other stakeholders to tell us what they think about the draft vision and objectives that have been put together.

All households have been sent a survey that is asking for feedback and we are holding four drop-in engagement sessions in various locations.

Please visit the town council website, call 01582 463665 or look out for posters on our noticeboards to find out more information about these sessions.

We all have a unique opportunity to shape and influence Harpenden as a place over the next 15 years. Please take the chance to have your say.

CLLR ROSEMARY FARMER

Town Mayor, Harpenden Town Council