Policy information sourced from the Watford Local Plan 2021-2038.

SS1.1: Spatial Strategy

From 2021 to 2038, the Local Plan makes provision for 13,328 net additional homes and 110,514 sqm of net employment floorspace consisting of 25,206 sqm of industrial uses as classified by the B2, B8, E(g)(ii) and E(g) (iii) Use Classes and 85,488 sqm of office uses as classified by the E(g)(i) Use Class between 2021 and 2038, along with supporting infrastructure and facilities. Proposals for new development will be supported, where they demonstrate that they will contribute towards the Local Plan’s economic, social and environmental objectives.

Growth will be focused in the Core Development Area, which has excellent access to public transport and facilities, and where development can be accommodated sustainably, creating a high quality place to live, work and visit by 2038. Heritage assets and areas of green space will continue to be protected.

Development will make an effective and efficient use of land. This will need to support a mix of uses compatible with each other, with high quality design, and innovative technology to address climate change and reduce carbon emissions.

Proposals will contribute towards a modal shift, greener travel patterns and minimising the impact on the environment. Pedestrian, cycling and passenger transport will be prioritised.

These high standards and a positive and integrated approach to development will be expected across the whole of the borough. This will contribute towards creating attractive and inclusive neighbourhoods, supporting people to be more active, healthy and encourage greater social inclusion as part of a balanced community.

Across the borough, new infrastructure and improvements to existing infrastructure will be delivered to support development. Infrastructure proposals will be progressed collaboratively with relevant stakeholders and providers to maximise the benefits and success of any scheme.

Inappropriate development, as defined in national planning policy, in the Metropolitan Green Belt will not be approved except in very special circumstances.

The Core Development Area

The Core Development Area is expected to support 80% of allocated development in the borough and provides opportunities for further redevelopment. Proposals in this area will be supported where they optimise the use of land in this location through mixed-use high-density development, with excellent access to services, facilities and public transport. Development should deliver positive social and environmental gains, incorporating high quality design and innovation to ensure high environmental standards are achieved.

The scale of change will be transformational in places. Collaboration between development partners and stakeholders on larger sites will be the key to unlocking the potential of the area. Ongoing and effective community engagement will also be required. Proposals should demonstrate a holistic approach to development, optimise opportunities for higher density development, create linkages to adjacent areas and ensure proper infrastructure provision.

Areas outside the Core Development Area

Outside the Core Development Area, proposals will be supported where they optimise densities to make efficient use of land and manage change with greater regard to the existing context and local character. Development should make the most of its location, such as access to public transport, cycling and walking and seek to provide off-site infrastructure to enhance them, and facilitate access to services and facilities.

High quality connections between people and destinations within the Core Development Area, wider town and locations outside of the borough will be sought.

The Core Development Area is defined on the Policies Map.

For more information, please see the Watford Local Plan 2021-2038.