The consultation for the St Albans Draft Local Plan concluded on Monday, September 25.
The plan, which has been developed by St Albans City & District Council (SADC), aims to tackle climate change and improve biodiversity. It includes delivering more social housing; supporting the local economy; and promoting equality, inclusion and fairness.
In the feedback submitted to the consultation, concerns have been raised over proposed developments on green belt land, increased traffic and overcrowding, and a reduction in biodiversity and green spaces in St Albans.
Councillor Chris White, Leader of SADC, said: “Developers have been enquiring about the green belt for some time, but the whole purpose of this is to protect the green belt from speculative building, and we can only do that with a plan.
“The parish council was utterly relieved with the consultation, as they have been battered by developers wanting to acquire land.”
Traffic concerns have also been raised, with several comments claiming that “insufficient thought has gone into traffic issues” and that the plan will “increase the traffic on what is already small and unsuitable access to all the residences”.
Cllr White assures residents that the council is aware of these concerns.
He said: “Traffic is a problem, and it could get worse, but this is part of the consultation.
“All the major consultees at the council, including traffic specialists, have not done the technical work yet, but now they will sit down and see whether this plan will cause a problem.
“It is a key issue and a perfectly valid one at that, but the county council will be working on that.”
Hertfordshire County Council has been contacted for comment.
Photo credit: St Albans City & District Council
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