The recently submitted draft Local Plans by Dacorum and St Albans aim to shape long-term planning strategies, guiding housing, employment growth, commercial development, and infrastructure needs up to 2041.

These plans are pivotal, influencing commercial development and infrastructure requirements essential for delivering employment growth, GVA uplift, and attracting investment.

The Crown Estate’s mixed-use development plans for Hemel East, within the Hemel Garden Communities geography, further support Herts IQ’s goals. With planning application submissions expected in Autumn 2025, these developments are crucial for the region’s growth. Additionally, Prologis’ latest phase of development at Maylands Gateway will expand commercial space, supporting local economic growth with new units available from Q1 2025.

Dacorum and St Albans submitted their draft Local Plans on 29th November (Regulation 19 Plans) to shape long-term planning strategies for St Albans and Dacorum, impacting Hemel Hempstead. The purpose is to guide housing and employment growth, commercial development, and infrastructure needs up to 2041. A public inquiry is scheduled for 2025, with adoption planned for Spring 2026. Dacorum published their plan on 4th November, with consultation closing on 17th December, aiming for submission in early 2025 and adoption in Spring 2026.

These Local Plans are crucial, as they will determine the commercial development and infrastructure requirements, directly impacting employment growth, GVA uplift, and attracting investment.

The Crown Estate is planning a mixed-use development for Hemel East on land to the east and north of Hemel Hempstead, within the Hemel Garden Communities geography. This development has planning application submission expected in Autumn 2025, running parallel with Local Plan processes, and aiming for planning permission in 2026. The Crown Estate owns approximately half of the commercial land in the Herts IQ area, making their developments pivotal for the region’s growth. Herts IQ is collaborating closely to ensure alignment and mutual benefit.

Prologis is involved in the construction of the latest phase of development at Maylands Gateway, Hemel Hempstead, to expand commercial space and support local economic growth. New units ranging from 20,500 sq. ft to 75,000 sq. ft will be available from Q1 2025. This marks the final phase of Prologis’ Maylands Gateway scheme, with 40% of the Herts IQ area expected to be built out by 2025.

Hertfordshire Futures is committed to driving these strategic initiatives, ensuring that Hemel Hempstead and the wider region benefit from sustainable growth and development. Stay updated with our progress and future plans by visiting our website.