Watford Borough Council is inviting residents, businesses and community groups to help shape the future of the borough as it launches a review of its Local Plan...
Complete Scoping Consultation
The Local Plan plays a vital role in shaping how Watford develops. It guides decisions about new homes, jobs and development, while helping to protect the borough’s heritage, green spaces and environment. All towns, including Watford, will change in the future. This consultation is about making sure local people help to shape these changes as much as possible.
Adopted in 2022, Watford’s current Local Plan sets out a vision for the borough’s future and provides the framework for assessing planning applications. However, significant changes to national planning policy mean it is now time to review the Plan to ensure it continues to meet Watford’s needs and ambitions.
The review provides an opportunity to look at what is working well, identify areas for improvement and consider how the Plan can best support Watford’s future growth in a sustainable and positive way. Now, the council wants to hear from local people.
The first stage of public consultation runs from Wednesday 11 November to Wednesday 23 December 2026, giving residents, businesses and other stakeholders the opportunity to share their views on the priorities for Watford's future.
At this early stage, the council is particularly interested in hearing people's thoughts on three key areas:
- Shaping the Plan: What should Watford's updated Local Plan include?
- Opportunities and challenges: What are the biggest opportunities and challenges facing development in Watford?
- Community involvement: How can the council best involve residents, businesses and other stakeholders as the Plan takes shape?
- Submit sites: what sites would you like considered for development through the Local Plan Review process
Feedback gathered during this initial consultation will help inform the next stages of the review, with further opportunities for people to comment as more detailed proposals are developed.
The council is encouraging everyone with an interest in Watford's future to get involved, whether they live, work, study or run a business in the borough.
The consultation is open from 11 November to 23 December 2026. The easiest way to take part is through the council's online consultation portal: bit.ly/WBC-Local-Plan-Review. Comments can also be submitted by:
- Email: localplan@watford.gov.uk
- Post: Planning Policy Team, Watford Town Hall, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 3EX
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “Watford is a fantastic place to live, work and visit, and we want to make sure it continues to thrive for generations to come.
“Our Local Plan plays a vital role in shaping the future of our town, helping us balance the need for new homes and opportunities with protecting the green spaces, heritage and character that make Watford special.
“This review is an important opportunity to look ahead, and we want local people to be part of that conversation from the very beginning. Whether you live, work or run a business in Watford, your views matter, and I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to have their say.”
Consultation documents and further information are available online through the council's consultation portal, including PDF versions.
Printed copies can also be viewed during normal opening hours at Watford Town Hall reception, Watford Central Library and Watford North Library.
By sharing their views, local people can help ensure the updated Local Plan reflects the needs, priorities and aspirations of the community, supporting a sustainable and thriving Watford for years to come.
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