Decision Maker: Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: January 29, 2026

Purpose:

Content: There were three motions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12.   (A)  ‘Grey Belt’ Land and Planning Applications in North Herts   RESOLVED: That the Executive Member for Place:   (1)   Writes to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to express concern about the rise of speculative development in the countryside in North Herts.   (2)   Responds to the consultation on proposed changes to the NPPF by 10 March 2026, including the following points:   •        Green belt assessment should include villages. •        Ensure grey belt developments occur only on previously developed land. •        Ensure high-quality farmland and important wildlife habitats are protected from development. •        Set ambitious and legally binding targets for genuinely affordable and socially rented homes in all new developments, with developers held to account if they are not delivered.   (B)  HertsLynx Expansion   RESOLVED: That Council:   (1)   Instruct the Leader of the Council to write to the Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth at Hertfordshire County Council, urging them, once funding is available, to expand the HertsLynx service to the communities within the Southern Rural area who don’t currently enjoy the benefits of this innovative service, as well as to welcome the planned enhancements to the service currently experienced by those living elsewhere in North Herts.   (2)   Instruct Officers to work with Hertfordshire County Council in order to identify the best way North Hertfordshire District Council can encourage and support any proposals for the expansion and service enhancement of the HertsLynx, including investigating any potential financial support from S106 contributions that this Council could offer in order to deliver these ambitions.   (C)  Action on Fly-tipping   RESOLVED: That Council:   (1)   Use its powers given under the Environmental Protection Act (1990) to issue Fixes Penalty Notices for minor fly tipping offences. In line with the 2023 amendment increasing the maximum fine to £1000, higher penalties will be applied where appropriate.   (2)   Instruct Officers to work on a public information campaign to increase awareness of the SCRAP code, as well as the steps members of public should take to report fly-tipping to the Council.   (3)   Continue to work with the police to tackle the crime of fly-tipping by unauthorised commercial operators and pursue the objective of prosecuting all serious offenders.