Supplementary Planning Documents 

The SPD will support the implementation of District Plan policies that seek to improve the environmental sustainability of new development. The Council adopted its Sustainability SPD on 2nd March 2021.

For further details please see our Sustainability SPD page

The Retail Frontages: Design and Signage Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) supports the effective implementation of the design and heritage policies in the East Herts District Plan.

The SPD provides guidance to applicants, agents, architects and traders on the requirements for high quality retail frontages, the replacement of existing frontages and the installation of new shop fronts throughout the district. The aim is to raise the standard of design quality and to enhance the attractiveness and local distinctiveness of the district’s shopping environments.

The Council adopted its Retail Frontages SPD on 23 October 2019. 

• Retail Frontages: Design and Signage SPD

Open space, sport and leisure facilities are key infrastructure that must be provided to support new development in East Herts. Developer contributions will be sought to provide and fund new or enhanced provision. This SPD provides guidance on the type and scale of open space, sport and recreation that will be required.  

The Council adopted the SPD at the Council meeting on 13 May 2020.

• Open Space, Sport and Recreation SPD

The principles and standards identified in the SPD are based on the Open Space and Sports Facilities Assessment Technical Study (2017) that informed the District Plan. This study includes a Built Facility Strategy, a Playing Pitch Strategy and an Open Spaces Assessment. Action plans in the Built Facilities and Playing Pitch Strategies identify potential projects that require funding. The Playing Pitch Strategy Action Plan has recently been updated.

Contribution Calculators

To assist in the calculation of standard charges for residential development, the Council has produced built facility and open space contribution calculators. These calculators to not form part of the statutory SPD but are a useful tool for calculating demand for open spaces and built sports facilities based on the standards set out in the SPD.

• East Herts Contribution Calculator Open Space
• East Herts Contribution Calculator Built Facilities

Charges are paid through section 106 agreements. Please open the Planning Obligations SPD section below for more information.

The Charter will support the production of Masterplans and Design Codes specific to the Gilston Area.

The Council adopted its Gilston Area Charter SPD on 22nd July 2020. For further details please see our Gilston Area Charter SPD page.
 

The Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) supports the effective implementation of the affordable housing policies in the East Herts District Plan.

A key objective of the East Herts District Plan seeks to ensure that new housing is accessible to, and meets the needs and aspirations of the District’s communities. The purpose of this Affordable Housing SPD is to aid the implementation of the affordable housing policies and also assist developers in understanding the Council’s approach and requirements regarding viability.

The Council adopted the Affordable Housing SPD at the Council meeting on 13 May 2020.

• Affordable Housing SPD
   

The purpose of this Supplementary Planning Document is to preserve and enhance the special historic character of the District’s Historic Parks and Gardens.

• Historic Parks and Gardens SPD

 The purpose of this Supplementary Planning document is to identify the distinct landscapes within East Hertfordshire by describing their key characteristics and natural, historical and cultural features. The document then provides a structured evaluation of these landscapes, a landscape strategy and guidelines for conserving and enhancing the character of each character area .

• Landscape Character Assessment SPD
  • Erratum- Area 93 Hadhams Valley
  • Landscape Character Areas

This Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) outlines the Council’s approach to planning obligations in relation to planning applications and reflects the Council’s corporate priorities and objectives.

Planning Obligations SPD

• Typical planning obligations. This list gives details of what we normally require. The Council has a template section 106 agreement
• Planning Obligations Guidance, Toolkit for Hertfordshire - This guidance document provides information on the County Council's approach to Planning Obligations.

• Vehicle Parking Standards SPD
  • Appendix A- Zonal Maps
  • Appendix B- Maximum demand-based parking standards (including guidance on cycle parking and parking for powered two-wheelers)
  • Appendix C- Guidance on the design, layout and dimensions of car parking spaces

Updated Vehicle Parking Standards were agreed by the Council in July 2015 as part of the ongoing work on the District Plan. The updated standards are being taken into account through the planning application process, alongside the adopted standards.

• Updated Vehicle Parking Standards

 The Urban Design Framework presents a number of options that could help transform an uncared for corner of Hertford into an attractive part of the town. The framework was adopted as an SPD on 17th December 2014. The Framework is now a material consideration in guiding development in that area.

• Hertford Mead Lane Urban Design Framework SPD

The SPD sets out the aspirations of the Council for the redevelopment of the Old River Lane site. The ambition is to create a well-designed development that responds to the character of the surrounding area. 

The Council adopted its Old River Lane SPD on 16 November 2022. For further details please see our Old River Lane SPD page.