A referendum to decide on the future of a plan for Radlett has been postponed in the light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Electors were due to vote on Thursday, May 7, the same day as the Police and Crime Commissioner elections, to decide if Aldenham Parish Council’s (APC) Radlett Neighbourhood Plan would be formally adopted and become part of the process when making planning decisions for the area.
However, the referendum has been postponed following a decision by Hertsmere Borough Council’s managing director and the election’s returning officer, Sajida Bijle.
An email from Mrs Bijle was sent to the manager of the parish council, Peter Evans, last week informing of her decision. No future date for the referendum has yet been decided.
Mrs Bijle said: “We, as a council, must do all that we can to ensure that the government restrictions during the ongoing pandemic are complied with, in order to save lives and protect the NHS.
“While under the Coronavirus Bill, Neighbourhood Plan Referendums are not automatically postponed, returning officers have been given the power to postpone such referendums, if they see fit.
“As a result, I have made the decision to postpone the referendum, to be held no later than May 6, 2021, in order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our residents.”
Hertsmere Borough Councillors agreed in February that the Radlett Neighbourhood Plan, following its public examination, should proceed to a referendum. The examiner recommended a number of modifications, which have all been agreed by councillors. It is the amended plan which will be the subject of the referendum.
The plan includes policies on housing choices; respecting and enhancing the townscape and landscape of the area; maintaining the vibrancy of the village centre and explores how developments in general can contribute to the vision for the area.
The plan needs more than half of votes cast during a referendum in its favour to be formally adopted. In the meantime, it will carry significant weight when determining planning applications in Radlett having been passed by an examiner.
The Police and Crime Commissioner’s election has also been postponed nationwide until May 6, 2021.
To view the plan visit hertsmere.gov.uk/radlettplan.
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