Plans put forward for two housing developments in Hatfield will be the subject of a series of extensive workshops which begin tonight
The 10-day-long consultation, known as a charette, has been set up by landowners Gascoyne Ceceil Estates.
It will centre on the estates’ proposals for housing, schools, open spaces, sports facilities, civic buildings and a pub.
One site surrounds the existing housing estate at Hatfield Garden Village. It would be known as Stanboroughbury.
The other is an envisaged “satellite village”, proposed to be called Symondshyde, on farmland off Coopers Green Lane.
The charrette kicks off on February 1.
And organisers are calling on as many people as possible to go along and have their say.
Wider issues, such as seeking a county-wide transport policy, will also be discussed.
The proposals for Stanboroughbury and Symondshyde are currently being considered as part of the borough council’s Local Plan.
It is projected the council will have to allocate enough land for 9,000 additional homes by 2031.
A total of 1,650 homes are planned for the Hatfield Garden Village site and 1,100 for Symondshyde Village.
A spokesman for Gascoyne Cecil Estates said: “We understand and sympathise with those who will have concerns about potential growth and development, which looks likely to occur throughout Hertfordshire.
“Whilst the final allocation of sites in the Local Plan is yet to be decided by Welwyn Hatfield Council and no decision has been taken in respect of estate land, Gascoyne considers public consultation to be a vital part of any planning process.
“Should our sites ultimately be allocated then we are determined to ensure development is of the highest quality and properly planned with all of the facilities which are required to encourage true community spirit.
“We very much hope that whether people support the need for additional housing and growth of the local economy, or equally have fears or concerns, that they will attend the charrette and express their views.”
The charrette takes place from tonight until Tuesday, February 9 in Hatfield Park.
The programme includes larger public meetings and presentations as well as smaller workshops which seek to focus on key issues.
Those attending will have the opportunity to talk with designers, provide feedback and view work undertaken in Old Hatfield, which was the subject of a previous charrette in 2008.
Further information about Gascoyne Cecil Estates, its approach to development and the forthcoming charrette can be found at www.gascoynececil.com
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