The Environment, Transport and Growth Cabinet Panel met to discuss several key initiatives, including the challenges facing Hertfordshire's high streets, the local nature recovery strategy, and the spatial development strategy. The panel agreed to promote a summit or conference on the future of high streets and town centres, and also agreed to note the report on the local nature recovery strategy, thanking the organisations that contributed to it. The panel also noted the report on the spatial development strategy and the local transport plan.

High Street Summit

Following a motion put forward by councillors, the panel agreed to recommend that officers organise an event in early 2026 to address the challenges facing high streets in Hertfordshire. The event will involve partners such as district councils, business improvement districts, town and parish councils, and industry representatives. The aim is to focus on current issues and future strategies, while also examining best practices within Hertfordshire and elsewhere.

Councillor Graham, who proposed the motion, highlighted the struggles of high streets due to factors such as the growth of retail parks, the impact of Covid-19, and the imposition of higher employers' national insurance and minimum wage. He also raised concerns about parking policies, citing the removal of one-hour free parking in Kings Langley and Radlett as examples of measures that negatively impact high streets.

Councillor Richard Roberts seconded the motion, agreeing that high streets are the heart of communities. He cautioned against setting an incredibly short deadline for the event, suggesting that a spring 2026 timeframe would be more realistic. He also expressed reservations about inviting ministers, suggesting that it would be better to invite the ministries to provide representation.

Several councillors voiced their support for the motion. Councillor Eric Buckmaster emphasised the need for all parties to work together to improve high streets, while Councillor Steve Wortley shared his experience of working to revitalise town centres in Brocksbourne, highlighting initiatives such as the Love Hoddesdon bid and the securing of levelling up funding for Waltham Cross.

Local Nature Recovery Strategy

The panel noted the report on the local nature recovery strategy (LNRS), thanking the organisations that contributed to it. The LNRS is a comprehensive network of strategies designed to identify areas of ecological significance, areas of potential ecological significance, and priority species in need of help. Hertfordshire County Council is the responsible authority for the delivery of the strategy.

Lynn, explained that the LNRS was created with implementation in mind, and that it is presented in a web-based format with interactive maps. Mark demonstrated the online strategy, showing how users can turn on various actions and view details about specific locations.

Several councillors raised questions and concerns about the LNRS. Councillor Steve Wortley asked about biodiversity net gain, seeking reassurance that it would remain within Hertfordshire. Councillor Alistair Willoughby inquired about how the council would continue to involve people and review the strategy, particularly in light of the transition to unitary authorities¹.

Lynn explained that the government has mandated that the strategy be set for between three and ten years, but that the council intends to run a partnership website to provide monitoring information. She also said that the council is exploring ways to create a partnership led by an organisation other than the council, with the aim of attracting funding from environmental and social governance funds.

Councillor Nigel Taylor asked about the potential for combining the LNRS with suitable alternative natural green spaces (SANGs)² required for new developments. Councillor Mark Pope inquired about private sector funding, while Councillor Caroline Smith-Wright suggested including gardens in the plan. Councillor Stuart Roberts shared his experience as a landowner, noting that much of his farm was already identified in the strategy. Councillor Matt Fisher praised the LNRS as a valuable tool for educating and engaging the public.

Spatial Development Strategy

The panel noted the report on the spatial development strategy (SDS), a new planning responsibility for the County Council introduced in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. The SDS is intended to provide a strategic layer of planning between national policy and local policy, guiding the location of large-scale housing, economic development, and infrastructure.

David, explained that the SDS must take account of economic, social, and environmental wellbeing, the local nature recovery strategy, and health and health inequalities. It may also address issues such as renewable energy and utility capacities. The SDS is intended to be a long-term vision for development and an investment strategy, rather than a detailed plan like a local plan.

David also noted that the SDS presents an opportunity to tie together various corporate strategies, such as the local nature recovery strategy, the local transport plan, and the Hearts Futures economic strategy. He said that the council will need to work with districts and other partners to develop the SDS, building on the work that has already been done on joint spatial plans.

Councillor Nigel Taylor emphasised the need for joined-up thinking between different aspects of spatial planning, while Councillor Eric Buckmaster raised concerns about conflicts in the current planning system. Councillor Alistair Willoughby expressed hope that the SDS would enable the council to unlock more growth and protect areas with potential for environmental and biodiversity net gain.

Local Transport Plan Annual Progress Report

The panel noted the annual progress report for the local transport plan (LTP) for the financial year 2024-25. The report highlights examples of good work that has been delivered, such as the Dutch-style roundabout at Boundary Way in Hemel Hempstead, improved ticketing measures for bus travel, and refurbished underpasses.

Councillor Alistair Willoughby suggested that future reports should also address areas where improvement is needed, such as safe travel for shift workers and women. Councillor Nigel Taylor proposed including the longer-term strategy, the gap between what has been completed and what remains to be done, and an assessment of how well different forms of transport are meeting the needs of particular corridors of movement. Councillor Steve Wortley recommended including the street art underpass in Waltham Cross, while Councillor Mark Pope sought more information about the development of the Heart's Links bus service. Councillor Caroline Smith-Wright highlighted the importance of Heart's Links for residents in Flamstead and Markyate.