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Go
for Gold!
Action
for better town planning
Change is inevitable and
welcome if it is well planned and managed. But Watford has many
great qualities, which we are determined to see preserved for
future generations. Our policies will be shaped by this approach.
Full public involvement in this process will be a central principle.
We need to use the planning
process to ensure both a thriving town and a decent environment
for people to live and work in. We need to maintain a balanced
range of activities in the town centre: we have plenty of shops
and nightclubs, but we need more facilities for families, homes
for people who want to live close to facilities which people
can enjoy.
The council needs to take
the initiative in the planning process not just react to what
developers suggest. In particular it should act to bring 'difficult
to develop' derelict sites back into use. We deplore the way
that council intransigence has left the former Sun Printers derelict
since 1992, because of its insistence on employment uses for
the land.
We will also take a positive
and dynamic approach to achieving council objectives, such as
mixed-use residential and employment schemes that reduce the
need to travel. Planning policies may not always coincide with
what developers want and the council must take an active approach
to attracting the right kind of development.
We will preserve and enhance
the town's six conservation areas and consider designating further
ones if a case can be made. We would also look to designate further
wildlife corridors to give greater protection to green space,
whether in public or private ownership.
Current studies suggest that
across Hertfordshire there is an overprovision of employment
land, while at the same time there is pressure for housing development
on inappropriate infill sites. Where appropriate, we will re-designate
employment land for residential use to provide homes for local
people.
We will:
- Insist on residential accommodation
being provided in all major re-developments in the town centre
(a policy we successfully proposed as part of the district
plan process).
- Produce design guidance for conservation
areas to ensure new development is in keeping with the special
character of these areas.
- Designate additional wildlife corridors
to protect green space.
- Play a positive part in influencing
planning at national, regional and county level.
- We will oppose town cramming and are
concerned that Herts County Council threatens development on
inappropriate sites, such as allotments. While we recognise
that the County is working within the confines of central government
policy, we will not hesitate to defend Watford from intrusive
development.
- We will seek to maximise public understanding
of the planning and development issues affecting the town,
and ensure public involvement in the development control process
and planning as a whole.
- Seek to provide better youth facilities
for all ages of young people in their own areas.
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