Residential development and redevelopment – particularly infill building – is being encouraged in the district council’s latest draft planning blueprint.

Formal consultation has begun on the local body’s Detailed Local Plan, which residents have until 5pm on Wednesday, December 21, by which to comment.

The planning blueprint, which outlines the overarching vision for the district up to 2031, states:

• All development is expected to achieve a high standard of design and layout, and regard must be paid to the appearance, scale, form, setting, character and building line in the locality.

• Within the building height control area, proposals must be compatible with the ‘local roofscape’ and should not break the skyline or mask the features of: St Albans Cathedral, the Clock Tower, the former Town Hall, and a handful of churches.

• Residential development/redevelopment and particularly infill development will be encouraged subject to site planning and design.

• House conversions from self-contained flats to single dwelling homes, or the loss of a number of small homes through redevelopment will be refused due to the loss of small housing units, and the need to ensure an appropriate housing mix.

• Two-storey rear extensions should not extend into a 45-degree visibility zone, taken from the nearest edge of a neighbour’s nearest ground floor level rear window.

• At Rothamsted Research in Harpenden, a site masterplan should be prepared and agreed prior to applications for further major development. New buildings may be introduced through redevelopment and/or more intensive use of parking areas.

• The establishment and maintenance of Watling Chase Community Forest and Heartwood Forest is supported.

• To find out more about the draft DLP, a series of public exhibitions are being held including in Redbourn, at the parish council’s conference room, from November 28-29; Harpenden, in the council chamber, Town Hall, November 30 and December 1; London Colney, Morris Playing Fields Pavilion, December 6-7; St Albans, district council offices, Civic Centre, December 8 and 12. All exhibitions start from 10am and run into the evening.

• More information is available on the council’s website, or, to see a copy of the draft DLP, visit local libraries, or district, town and parish council offices.