Local Authorities seek feedback on guidance for new Hemel Hempstead neighbourhoods and transformation of the existing town
Hemel Garden Communities, St Albans City & District Council, and Dacorum Borough Council are inviting local residents, businesses, and developers to have their say on two new Draft Supplementary Planning Documents that will help shape the future housing, neighbourhoods and development within the Hemel Garden Communities Programme Area. The documents provide a joint approach for all development planned in and around Hemel Hempstead in Dacorum and St Albans districts.
Supplementary Planning Documents are technical documents which help to clarify, illustrate or provide detail on how Local Plan policies should be applied in practice and they will help to inform future development across the town.
The Hemel Garden Communities Draft Framework and Transformation Supplementary Planning Document will ensure sites are developed in a joined-up way to achieve good quality housing, green spaces and features that reduce flood risk and respond to climate change, improve active travel, and connectivity. This draft Supplementary Planning Document will also offer design code guidance for developers who will create the new homes and neighbourhoods within the Programme Area.
The Draft HGC Stewardship and Placemaking Supplementary Planning Document sets out the approach to stewardship for the Hemel Garden Communities Programme Area (how outdoor spaces and community infrastructure is managed and maintained). This Draft Supplementary Planning Document proposes a coordinated and aligned strategy for stewardship and placemaking across Hemel Hempstead and potentially beyond, so future development sites are consistent in their approach.
Consultation Period: 12:00pm Friday 6th February 2026 – midnight Friday 20th March 2026
How to Get Involved:
- You can read the Supplementary Planning Documents and leave online feedback by visiting:
www.stalbans.gov.uk/hemel-garden-communities-spds - An online event will be held on Monday 2 March 2026 from 7pm to 8pm - registration is required - please see: https://www.stalbans.gov.uk/news/changed-arrangements-hemel-garden-communities-supplementary-planning-documents-consultation.
- You can visit St Albans City & District offices at Civic Centre, St Peters Street, St Albans, AL1 3JE, to view a paper copy of both SPDs. Redbourn Community Library and St Albans library will also have paper copies of the SPDs for viewing purposes during normal opening hours.
Notes to Editors
The Hemel Garden Communities programme is being delivered by a partnership of three local authorities, Dacorum Borough Council, St Albans City and District Council and Hertfordshire County Council, supported by the Hertfordshire Futures and Hertfordshire Innovation Quarter (Herts IQ). It has been set up to enable sustainable local growth, through delivery of up to 11,000 new homes and up to 10,000 new jobs, in the area to the north and east of Hemel Hempstead by 2050:
- To create a vibrant town centre, with well-integrated neighbourhoods and green spaces, so people can come together in areas that are safe and healthy
- To connect all the communities in the town and surrounding area, through an affordable and frequent public transport network, linking to key destinations, like employers, health/social care providers and shops
- To encourage active travel, like walking and cycling
- To attract new investment, business and regeneration, by being more innovative and sustainable
- To design high quality neighbourhoods, places and homes, that are affordable, energy-efficient and resilient to climate change
- To engage with communities to ensure that local people, culture and heritage help shape the town’s future
For more information on the Hemel Garden Communities Programme, please visit www.hemelgardencommunities.co.uk or contact: Nicola Emmett, Communications and Engagement Lead, nicola.emmett@dacorum.gov.uk.
This is a joint press release issued through the Hemel Garden Communities project team.
Please note that this information was updated on 18/02/2026 with details of changed arrangements for engagement. Details can be found at: www.stalbans.gov.uk/news/changed-arrangements-hemel-garden-communities-supplementary-planning-documents-consultation.