Hertfordshire County Council is pleased to announce a landmark achievement in housing development, marking the highest number of new homes built in any year since 2001.
In the period from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, councils across Hertfordshire delivered 5,387 new homes. This remarkable milestone underscores the County Council’s commitment to addressing the housing needs of residents.
One of the highlights of this achievement is the focus on affordability. An impressive 30% of the gross new homes are affordable, catering to a range of needs:
- 864 affordable rent units
- 389 shared equity units
- 376 social rent units
- 16 intermediate units
Housing by numbers
Equally noteworthy is Hertfordshire’s dedication to sustainable development, with 68% of these new homes constructed on brownfield land, showcasing the County’s commitment to regenerating underused areas and minimising impact on green spaces.
Looking ahead, the future of housing in Hertfordshire continues to thrive. There are currently 27,448 homes with planning permission set to be built in the coming years, ensuring that the momentum in housing growth is maintained. Large scale projects include Harlow Gilston Garden Town, Hemel Garden Communities, Growing Baldock town expansion and Brookfield in Cheshunt, and it’s these developments that will contribute to the county’s target to build 100,000 homes over the next decade.
In addition, Hertfordshire Property Partnership (HPP) has secured over £2.6 million in Brownfield Land Release Fund support from the government’s One Public Estate programme. These funds will be utilised across seven sites in the county, with two projects already completed and the remaining five expected to deliver approximately 662 homes. All of these projects are integral parts of the ongoing regeneration efforts in Hertfordshire.
Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council said: “This record-breaking year is a testament to our unwavering dedication to providing much-needed housing for our communities. We are not only building homes but also creating vibrant, sustainable, and affordable communities where residents can enjoy a high-quality of living in the place they call home. The support from the Brownfield Land Release Fund further propels our efforts in regenerating areas and ensuring a bright future for Hertfordshire.”
Sajida Bijle, Chief Executive of Hertsmere Borough Council and Chair of HPP said: “Securing over £2.6 million in BLRF funding represents a significant achievement for the Hertfordshire Property Partnership. This collaboration with district and borough councils is set to transform seven key sites across the county, with two projects already completed. The remaining four sites will deliver approximately 662 homes, contributing to the ongoing regeneration efforts within Hertfordshire. This funding is a testament to our collaborative working across Hertfordshire and beyond with a clear commitment to infrastructure as well as providing much needed housing solutions. This is particularly important in Hertfordshire, where land values are very high and affordability is well below the national average.”
To learn more about Sustainable Growth in Hertfordshire visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/weare
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (WHBC) is set to receive £243,000 from the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) as part of the government’s £68m initiative to unlock brownfield sites for housing development. This funding will enable the Council to modernise Howlands House in Welwyn Garden City, used to provide temporary accommodation for local individuals and families who are homeless.
Howlands House provides temporary accommodation for local residents waiting to be assessed or given alternative housing due to homelessness but now, over 40 years after its construction, the site is in poor condition and the current design does not meet modern standards. Redeveloping this accommodation has been an aspiration for WHBC for some time, however, the viability of the scheme has been a challenge due to increasing building costs. The additional government funding allows the scheme to progress to the next stage and will aid the overall viability of the proposed redevelopment.
The site is due to be developed as part of WHBC’s Affordable Housing Programme and the additional £243K funding, secured by WHBC as part of the Hertfordshire Property Partnership (HPP) through HM Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF2), will help to bring forward the project’s delivery date. The proposed new scheme will provide more welcoming temporary accommodation properties as well as a staff office, children’s play area, parking and associated landscaping.
HPP has worked with district and borough councils to successfully secure over £2.6 million in BLRF funding from government overall. The money will be used across seven sites in Hertfordshire with two already completed. The remaining five sites are expected to deliver approximately 662 homes and are all part of regeneration projects in the county.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised the government’s commitment to a brownfield-first approach to housebuilding, stating, “This funding for councils will see disused sites and industrial wastelands transformed into thousands of new homes in places that people want to live and work.
“Our brownfield-first approach will not only ramp up housebuilding but also create more jobs, deliver much-needed infrastructure, and boost economic growth across the country.”
Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook added, “The funding announced today will support the delivery of thousands of new homes and boost economic growth by unlocking development on scores of abandoned, disused, and neglected urban sites across the country.”
Cllr Max Holloway, Leader, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council said: “Supporting and preventing homelessness and the provision of affordable homes are priorities for WHBC. It’s great to receive this funding from the Government which will help us bring forward the delivery of a key project in our Affordable Housing Programme – and importantly provide for better temporary accommodation for local people in their time of need.
“Howlands House is an important development and this funding will mean that we are able to continue to provide security and respite for local families at times of huge distress and uncertainty.”
Sajida Bijle, Chief Executive, Hertsmere Borough Council and Chair of HPP said: “Securing over £2.6 million in BLRF funding represents a significant achievement for the Hertfordshire Property Partnership. This collaboration with district and borough councils is set to transform seven key sites across the county, with two projects already completed. The remaining four sites will deliver approximately 662 homes, contributing to the ongoing regeneration efforts within Hertfordshire. This funding is a testament to our collaborative working across Hertfordshire and beyond with a clear commitment to infrastructure as well as providing much needed housing solutions. This is particularly important in Hertfordshire, where land values are very high, and affordability is well below the national average.”
Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Chair of the Hertfordshire Growth Board: “This injection of funds by the government, including £243,000 for Welwyn Hatfield, is fantastic news for Hertfordshire as a whole. It’s an investment in meeting the county’s housing needs, ensuring we have the infrastructure to support families and individuals in need, while revitalising a key area. This will only bolster the extent to which Hertfordshire contributes to the national growth mission.”
Angie Ridgwell, Chief Executive, Hertfordshire County Council said: “The modernisation of Howlands House marks a significant step forward in addressing our local housing needs. This funding will provide quality temporary accommodation and also support regeneration of the area for the community to enjoy.”
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.”
The University of Hertfordshire (UoH) is welcomed into the Hertfordshire Growth Board (HGB) following its election as a co-opted member. Professor Wendy Wills, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) will represent the university to better align the strategy and work of the university with HGB and delivery of the HGB’s Missions, as well as engagement with Government on good growth for the county and securing investment.
Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Chair of HGB and Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council said: “I am thrilled to welcome Wendy and the University of Hertfordshire to the Hertfordshire Growth Board. Wendy’s expertise and a stronger partnership with the university, will be vital in the delivery of our Vision and Missions for the benefit of residents, businesses, and communities across Hertfordshire.”
Professor Wendy Wills said: “I am delighted that the University of Hertfordshire has been elected to the Hertfordshire Growth Board. As a modern, enterprising university many of our strategic aims align with the missions of the Growth Board. Having this opportunity to engage will be a catalyst for stronger, informed partnerships with the potential to support education and enterprise excellence”.
For more information on HGB’s work and its members, visit:
Hertfordshire Growth Board > About
Today, the Chair of the Hertfordshire Growth Board (HGB) Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Vice Chairs Mayor Peter Taylor and Cllr Richard Henry and Chair of Hertfordshire Futures Adrian Hawkins OBE wrote to the Deputy Prime Minister, welcoming the Government’s commitment to re-set the relationship between local and central government to deliver economic growth and improve public services.
As an economic powerhouse, Hertfordshire is critical to the Government’s plan to power up Britain and stands ready to trailblaze local growth to boost productivity and ensure that all communities benefit from improved living standards. By unlocking more local powers and funding, Hertfordshire can better address barriers relating to quality sustainable housing, access to skills, good jobs, the environment, and transport infrastructure, and fulfil the county’s economic potential.
View our letter from the Chair and Vice Chairs of the HGB and Chair of Hertfordshire Futures to the Deputy Prime Minister.
As the UEFA Euro 2024 football tournament kicked off in Germany this weekend, we want to wish Hertfordshire-born Gareth Southgate, who comes from Watford, all the best as his England team gears up for their first game of the tournament.
Hertfordshire has a proud tradition of nurturing grass roots youth football, as well as being home and host to many famous footballers, as well as football league clubs Watford FC and Stevenage FC.
There are over 50,000 children – 42,497 boys and 7,651 girls – currently taking part in some form of grassroots football activity, with female participation increasing 56% since 2021, and male participation increasing 14%. There are also over 600 players taking part in dedicated Disability Football settings across the county.
Hertfordshire County Council and the District and Borough Councils have played its part in the growth and development of football by providing regular funding to support local schools, organisations, and sports clubs. Such as providing football for children with a wide range of physical and neuro-diverse challenges and those with learning and physical disabilities.
“We are very keen to support our local grassroots organisations to provide sport and physical activities, as these opportunities are essential to help our residents lead healthy and fulfilling lives. In particular, we have invested a great deal of funding into physical activity programmes specifically designed to help people improve their mental health and wellbeing, as we are well-aware of the link between physical and mental health. We have been working with Watford and Stevenage Football Clubs for many years to develop bespoke physical activity programmes for local residents.”
– Hertfordshire County Council’s Director of Public Health, Sarah Perman
Active Connections is a new programme, funded by Hertfordshire County Council’s Public Health department and delivered by Herts Sports Partnership (HSP). The partnership works to upskill health professionals and social prescribers and to promote the health benefits of being physically active and to sign post people to local opportunities.HSP works closely with the Hertfordshire Football Association and the University of Hertfordshire with events such as the ‘Coach Education Week’ and have three Apprentices currently working in the Herts FA team from the Universities ‘Sports and Business Management’ degree course. Children can register to play football from as young as age 6 and in Hertfordshire over 50,000 players have registered with Hertfordshire FA across all formats of affiliated football, making up 3,380 teams from 494 clubs. These are supported by over 5,000 qualified coaches and countless other volunteers who give up their time to make the grassroots game happen.
Hertfordshire FA is responsible for a wide range of initiatives that help to develop the professionalism and culture of football across the county and all age groups.
“Football has a unique power to unite communities, build aspiration, reduce inequality, and bring joy to those involved. As well as improving physical and mental health, participation has also been shown to have wider impacts on society, such as reducing crime and improving educational outcomes. With the vast majority of the grassroots game being run by volunteers, additional financial support is always welcome, and we encourage clubs to reach out to Councillors to access locality budgets where they can be used to grow provision in areas of need and share these benefits more widely. We are proud to work together with local agencies to use the power of football to promote positive change, which includes putting on sessions with Hertfordshire County Council to raise awareness across the game about the risk of radicalisation to young people as part of the Prevent programme.”
– Karl Lingham, CEO, Hertfordshire Football Association
Hertfordshire Sports Partnership
Hertfordshire Football Association
Active Herts
Hertfordshire’s communities have benefitted from £4m of social impact generated by Tarmac sites across the county according to a new report from Tarmac, the sustainable building materials and construction solutions business.
As a member of the Hertfordshire Infrastructure Development Board (HIDB), Tarmac’s report, titled ‘Creating social impact in Hertfordshire’ shines a light on the positive impact the business has created for people, planet and place across Hertfordshire in 2023 and provides a framework for how Tarmac will continue to operate responsibly in the future. This included a focus on how the business is restoring former industrial sites into vibrant green spaces, like Panshanger Park and Waterford Heath, where it is enhancing biodiversity and ensuring natural spaces are accessible for the community.
With 2024 marking the 10th anniversary of the opening of Panshanger Park to the public, an estimated 5,165 hours were donated by volunteers last year alone, an army of supporters who maintain the landscape in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council and Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust (HMWT).
In honour of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 17,341 trees and shrubs were also planted at the park to create the new Queen’s Wood. The planting of the woodland would not have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of volunteers, including local schools, residents, businesses and community groups.
Further findings from the report finds Tarmac’s wider operations across Hertfordshire have:
- Generated £1.16m social impact through giving local communities access to green space within 500m of their home.
- Provided eight local apprenticeships and employed 39 people.
- Contributed £40,200 social impact through mental and physical wellbeing support for local employees.
The social impact report follows Tarmac signing the Hertfordshire Growth Board’s Development Quality Charter, pledging commitments to master planning and community engagement; incorporating social impact and environmental management systems into business models; and adhering to sustainability standards which exceed the minimum requirements set out in building regulations.
Forogh Rahmani, Director of the Hertfordshire Growth Board (HGB) said: “We welcome Tarmac’s great social impact at its Hertfordshire sites, and this demonstrates the important benefits of our Hertfordshire Infrastructure Development Board and Development Quality Charter. The HGB welcomes many more businesses signing up to the Charter and to support our ambitions for good growth and a sustainable county where all can thrive and succeed.”
Colin Haigh, Director of Growth and Place at Hertfordshire County Council said: “Signing the Charter ensures well-designed places to live, work, and visit for residents, businesses and communities, setting a quality and sustainability benchmark for new developments across the county. Councils and developers, like Tarmac, recognise that by signing the Charter they can reference it and use the Charter Mark in their corporate promotional material.”
Hertfordshire Infrastructure Development Board (HIDB)
Development Quality Charter
‘Creating Social Impact in Hertfordshire’
The Care Leaver Covenant has gained a new signatory as Hertfordshire County Council pledged its continued commitment to support care leavers as they continue their journey to live independently.
As part of its commitment, the County Council is calling on local businesses, organisations, districts and borough councils to also sign up. Encouraging local employers and housing providers to reach out to these young adults by offering support and opportunities as they take their next steps into adulthood.
Fiona Thomson, Executive Member for Children, Young people and Families, said: “We know that our care leavers face additional challenges as they transition to adulthood: living independently, often with little family or community support. Many care-experience people say that discrimination has also contributed to negative outcomes in their lives. Our care leavers have told us that it’s important that we sign up to the National Care Leaver Covenant, which we are able to do now that we have found a way to offer council tax reimbursement for them until the age of 21.”
The National Care Leaver Covenant is a promise made by the private, public and voluntary sectors to provide support for care leavers aged 16-25 to help them live successful lives. The covenant pertains to all areas which impact on care leavers’ opportunities to thrive, including housing support, training and employment, work experience, or partnerships with local businesses.
Signing the Care Leaver Covenant is one element of the Council’s commitment to improve outcomes for care leavers. Recently, Hertfordshire agreed to treat care experience as a protected characteristic. This means that when policies and services are developed, it will assess the impact of these on people with care experience making sure that they are not negatively impacted by decisions taken.
Fiona continued, “As the corporate parents for children and young people in our care, it’s important that we lead the way and encourage all those we work with to look at how their practice and policies are impacting care leavers and encourage them to do all they can to support people leaving care. By working together, we can build bright futures for our care leavers.”
As well as The Local Offer for Care Leavers, Hertfordshire County Council has recently extended the lifelong links programme; strengthening contact with people important to them to create support networks and providing stability. It has also expanded the Care Leaver Service to provide personal advisors with more capacity and time to dedicate to the young people and the popular Ohana support group for care experience young parents.
Useful contacts and links
The Local Offer of Care Leavers
Lifelong Links Programme
Ohana support group
Samantha.jeffery@hertfordshire.gov.uk
www.mycovenant.org.uk
WasteAware’s “Herts Sustainable Families” discount scheme, offered as part of the county’s Waste Partnership has been highly-commended in the “Best Local Authority Recycling Initiative” category at the prestigious Awards for Excellence in Recycling & Waste Management.
The Awards for Excellence in Recycling & Waste Management celebrate outstanding achievements and innovative initiatives in the field of recycling and waste management. The recognition of Herts Sustainable Families underscores the council’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The trio of schemes within the Herts Sustainable Families banner encourage residents to choose reusable items instead of single use products by offering a 15% discount on reusable nappies, sustainable period products and washable incontinence products. Around 2,500 residents have already taken advantage of the scheme, purchasing items from across 19 suppliers, including local companies, major retailers and brand leaders.
Receiving a high commendation recognises the exemplary leadership demonstrated by the WasteAware team and dedication to promoting waste reduction initiatives within Hertfordshire. Through collaborative efforts and community engagement, the initiative has successfully provided free period products to those in financial hardship and engaged in training for 56 teachers on the benefits of sustainable period products, ensuring they included as mainstream options when menstruation is discussed in school. Two further training dates are booked for June.
Cllr Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council said:
“We are thrilled to be highly commended in the ‘Best Local Authority Recycling Initiative’ award. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and the support of our community. We are committed to continuing our efforts to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly Hertfordshire.”
The success of Herts Sustainable Families campaign highlights the importance of local authority initiatives in driving positive environmental change and promoting sustainable practices amongst residents. By promoting education, awareness, and practical solutions, the initiative has contributed significantly to the county’s efforts to minimise waste and drive reusable options as a standard way of living to protect the environment for future generations.
Hertfordshire Waste Partnership’s Herts Sustainable Families continues to lead by example in promoting recycling and waste management best practices, inspiring communities to embrace sustainability, and making a meaningful impact on the environment.
Cllr Eric Buckmaster, Executive Member for Environment, Hertfordshire County Council said: “It’s so good to see the progress being made in this particular area of activity and the success of the team in promoting awareness and benefits of these sustainable products.”
For more information about the Herts Sustainable Families discount, WasteAware and its initiatives, visit:
www.wasteaware.org.uk/families
As the world marks the International Day of Forests on March 21, Hertfordshire stands proud as a testament to the integral relationship between nature and mental wellbeing. The county’s lush green spaces, from ancient woodlands to sprawling parks, not only harbour rich biodiversity but also serve as sanctuaries for mental wellness and advocates for active travel.
Hertfordshire’s forests, such as the Ashridge Estate, Heartwood Forest, and Cassiobury Park, are invaluable reservoirs of biodiversity. Hertfordshire’s diverse landscape boasts a myriad of green spaces, ranging from expansive woodlands to urban parks, each playing a vital role in supporting biodiversity. These green corridors serve as habitats for a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, preserving the county’s natural heritage and enhancing its ecological resilience. Through strategic planning and sustainable development, the Hertfordshire Growth Board is committed to safeguarding these green assets, ensuring their continued protection and enhancement for future generations to enjoy.
In addition to their ecological significance, Hertfordshire’s green spaces offer huge benefits for good mental health and wellbeing, providing residents with opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and rejuvenation amidst nature’s tranquillity. Research has shown that spending as little as 20 minutes a day in green environments can alleviate stress, improve mood, and enhance overall mental health. As a Growth Board mission – Healthy and Safe Places for All – the Hertfordshire Growth Board understands the importance of incorporating green infrastructure into urban planning initiatives, creating vibrant and inclusive spaces that promote wellbeing and quality of life for all.
Furthermore, Hertfordshire’s green spaces serve as catalysts for active travel, encouraging residents and visitors to embrace sustainable modes of transportation while enjoying the county’s natural beauty. From scenic walking and cycling routes to green corridors connecting urban centres, these initiatives promote physical activity, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance the overall health and vitality of our communities. By investing in active travel infrastructure and promoting environmentally conscious transportation options, the Hertfordshire Growth Board aims to create a more sustainable and resilient transportation network that meets the needs of both current and future generations.
Forogh Rahmani, Director of the Hertfordshire Growth Board, said: “As we mark the International Day of Forests, we celebrate Hertfordshire’s green spaces as invaluable assets that contribute to the health, prosperity, and wellbeing of our residents and communities. Through collaborative efforts and forward-thinking initiatives, we are committed to preserving and enhancing these green corridors, ensuring that Hertfordshire remains a vibrant and sustainable place to live, work, and thrive.”
To read more about Hertfordshire Growth Board’s Vision and Missions.
Vision and Missions
For enquiries contact Luke Fisher, Senior Campaigns Officer.
Email
