Council to strengthen planning focus to meet rising demand for housing

A local authority near London is ramping up its efforts on planning for housing to help meet growing demand.

Hertsmere Borough Council’s director of environment Glen Wooldrige told Planning: “This is a vibrant part of the country and a lot of people want to develop here.

“We are 80 per cent green belt but on the borders of Barnet, Harrow and Enfield, so are dealing with the pressures of being so close to London.” 

The council is looking to recruit a planner as its new development team manager to contribute to the council’s strategic agenda.

Wooldrige said: “Residential is the big driver and there are lots of discussions on viability, good design and affordability.

“The role will involve strong engagement with developers and helping to solve the conundrum of meeting the requirement for lots of housing with limited amounts of land to build on.

“Within all this is the need to encourage economic development: we want to see businesses move to a location with great road and rail routes".

Has your organisation recently made a new appointment or promotion? If so, please let us know by emailing planning@haymarket.com