Watford Borough Council

Other responsibilities include conservation of the built environment, urban design, providing demographic and other statistical information, and producing development briefs.

Local Development Framework (LDF) 

The Local Development Framework is a portfolio of planning policy documents being prepared to gradually replace the Watford District Plan 2000.

Watford District Plan 2000, (Saved Policies and Supplementary Planning Guidances, SPGs)

23/3/11 UPDATE:  Changes to SPG1 and Policy H17

10/6/10 UPDATE:  Agreed changes to Affordable Housing Policy H17

The Watford District Plan 2000 sets out the key policies that the Council uses to determine planning applications.  It was adopted by the Council on 3 December 2003.

Watford Character of Area Study

The Council adopted this Study on the 5 December 2011.  A copy of the Study can be found by clicking on the above link.

Article 4 Direction

There are currently two article 4 directions in place in Watford.  They are Macdonell gardens and Lebanon close.  Please click on the above link for further information.

East of England Plan

On 6 July 2010 the Secretary of State announced the revocation of Regional Spatial Strategies with 'immediate effect.'  However, there was a legal challenge to this revocation that was upheld by the court. Therefore, the Regional Spatial Strategies remain in effect.  The Secretary of State has re-iterated the intention to revoke the Regional Spatial Strategies, through forthcoming legislation, and has also stated this intention should be a material consideration in planning matters.  For Watford, the Regional Spatial Strategy is the East of England Plan published in May 2008.

Sites and Special Projects

This section sets out all the planning projects the council is currently working on.

Economic Development

The South West Herts Business Partnership provides a joint economic development service, particularly in relation to business support for Watford, Three Rivers and Hertsmere local authorities.

Gypsy and Travellers 

Listed Building

If you live in a listed building, this article contains useful information on the restrictions apply to this type of building and the works that can be undertaken without planning permission or Listed Building Consent.

Population and Statistical Information

Various demographic data relating to Watford is contained here such as population, house prices, numbers of houses built, retail and office floor space, employers and unemployment figures.

Conservation Areas

There are currently nine (9) designated conservation areas in Watford.  If you live in a conservation area, by clicking on the above link you will find information on living in such an area, a map showing the designated areas and general guidance on living there.

Urban Design

For further information, please contact the Planning Policy team on 01923 278 970 or 01923 278 263 or on the email address below.