Welcome to the first Hertfordshire Property Partnership (HPP) Progress Report. HPP is a countywide collaboration involving local government, Herts Living Ltd, Homes England, health services and the police. This partnership views Hertfordshire as one, sharing best practices, knowledge and attracting funding to the region.
HPP was established to address key growth challenges in a collaborative manner, seeking funding opportunities for urban regeneration and major development projects. By integrating services, we aim to meet the needs of our communities and address the demand for housing. This report showcases the exciting projects across our county, supported by the One Public Estate programme.
The programme aims to repurpose surplus public estate for housing and regeneration, unlocking land for development to create new homes and jobs. It is jointly delivered by the Local Government Association and the Office of Government Property within the Cabinet Office and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Through the support of this programme, Hertfordshire is making significant strides in urban regeneration and growth, ensuring that our public estate is used effectively to support local growth and community needs while driving greater efficiencies.
Click here to read the full report.
To find out more, please email hertfordshirepropertypartnership@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
Planning permission for 10,000 new homes in the Gilston area has been issued by East Herts Council.
The outline planning permissions comprise 8,500 homes for Places for People across six villages and 1,500 homes for Taylor Wimpey in a seventh village.
Alongside new homes, the development includes facilities for business, retail, sports and leisure and healthcare, as well as community spaces, parks and open spaces, new primary and secondary schools and early years facilities.
Together with the earlier granting of permission for new transport infrastructure schemes known as the Central and Eastern Stort Crossings, the outline permissions are a significant milestone in the process of bringing forward the Gilston area development proposal identified in the Council’s 2018 District Plan.
The planning applications were considered by the District Council’s Development Management Committees on 28 February 2023 and 23 March 2023, where it was resolved that permission be granted subject to the finalisation of conditions and completion of a Section 106 agreement to secure the necessary infrastructure.
Councillor Vicky Glover-Ward, Executive Member for Planning and Growth, said: “We are pleased to issue the planning permissions for the delivery of 10,000 homes and associated infrastructure in the Gilston area. This is a major milestone and an important step in achieving sustainable growth in East Herts, and the wider Harlow and Gilston Garden Town.”
Councillor Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, said: “The Section 106 agreement represents a significant milestone for Hertfordshire and the Harlow Gilston Garden Town project. It demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that growth is accompanied by the infrastructure needed to support thriving communities. My thanks to all five Councils, who have strived to get the best possible deal for existing and new residents, yet to arrive. We will be proud of this development when it meets the highest build standards with the right infrastructure creating the homes and communities of the future.”
The permission documents for Villages 1-6 (3/19/1045/OUT) and Village 7 (3/19/2124/OUT) can be viewed on the planning application portal using these reference numbers.
For more information, please contact:
- Victoria Mullins
- Communications, Wallfields, Pegs Lane, Hertford SG13 8EQ
- communications@eastherts.gov.uk
The Hertfordshire Growth Board reacts to government’s 2024 budget announcements, which reflect a commitment to long term growth for the country and tackling immediate spend pressures. HGB are encouraged by the increased funding for affordable homes projects, healthcare provision and a refreshed industrial strategy.
Yesterday Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her first budget setting out Government’s plans for investing in the foundations of future growth. Key announcements include an extra £500m in new funding for the Affordable Homes Programme, additional funding for the NHS, boosting investment in science and technology, transitioning to clean energy, and upgrading infrastructure, as well as £240 million in funding to help people back into work.
Measures announced yesterday will further support HGB’s Vision and Missions for a world-class economy, building the right homes in the right places, tackling homelessness/ temporary accommodation challenges, and a healthier, more sustainable county. Hertfordshire is an economic powerhouse with high growth sectors in advanced manufacturing, creative industries, digital, life sciences as well as professional business services collectively providing significant contribution to the national economy as well as thousands of quality local jobs.
The county is also leading the way in delivering thousands of quality new homes in the right places. In Hertfordshire, we pioneered the first garden cities and new towns and have committed to building an additional 100,000 homes over the next 15-20 years. This includes two new towns – Harlow Gilston Garden Town and Hemel Garden Communities – each delivering over 10,000 homes and inclusive, integrated communities with better access to nature, green spaces, and self-sustaining economies.
We look forward to working with Government to deliver the right homes in the right places for the benefit of our communities and drive long-term economic prosperity so that everyone in Hertfordshire can thrive.
Hertfordshire’s response:
Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Chair of HGB and Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council said “Yesterday’s budget is welcome news. As an economic powerhouse, Hertfordshire is critical to the Government’s plan to power up Britain. Film and creative industries, pharmaceutical manufacturing and life sciences are local sectoral strengths, with 70,000 businesses and clusters to sustain and grow. Hertfordshire stands ready to engage with ministers and partner with government to deliver local growth to boost productivity and ensure that all communities benefit from improved living standards.”
Cllr Richard Henry, Vice Chair of HGB and Leader of Stevenage Borough Council said “I am delighted to see the much-needed cash injection to top up the Government’s Affordable Homes Programme. Across the county, we are building the right homes in the right places with the highest number of new homes built since 2001 and a planning application approval rate of 84%. In Stevenage we are delivering thousands of new quality, affordable and social homes and this will further help to support our ambitions.”
Mayor Peter Taylor, Vice Chair of HGB and Elected Mayor of Watford said “A key priority in yesterday’s budget is to secure the growth of our key sectors – many of which we have here in Hertfordshire. I’m pleased to hear Government will continue to support Levelling Up Funds. Our town centres and smaller businesses are essential to our local economies and must continue to thrive so that no community is left behind.”