How the Plan took shape
Informal Consultation
Explore the exhibition materials from our October 2025 informal consultation to see the ideas and local priorities that helped shape the draft Castle Plus Neighbourhood Plan.
These materials reflect an earlier stage of the Plan’s development. For the current proposed policies and information on how to comment, please visit our
Online Exhibition 2025
Community Facilities
Community life in Hertford depends on shared spaces — from libraries and schools to halls, sports fields, churches and pubs.
This section identifies valued local facilities and looks at how they can be protected, improved and supported to meet the needs of all generations.
Living & Movement
This section looks at how new homes, walking routes and travel options can fit comfortably within the Castle Plus area. It includes ideas for safer crossings, improved paths and cycle links, and explores how future development can enhance the quality of life for everyone who lives and travels here.
Projects
Some ideas in the Plan go beyond planning policies — they’re practical improvements that can be delivered through funding such as CIL, S106 or community grants.
This section shows examples of local projects like walking routes, planting schemes, benches and public art that can help bring the Plan to life.
Important Views
Views come in all sorts of shapes and sizes from wide open space to narrow vistas. A selection of the views identified by the Community Steering Group are shown in this section. Their importance will be described in a Policy in the Castle Plus Neighbourhood Plan.
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Green Spaces & Nature
Castle Plus is full of green spaces, river walks and wildlife habitats.
This section explores which areas might be designated as Local Green Spaces and how we can protect special places like Willowmead Reserve, along with the wildlife corridors that connect them.
Heritage & Design
Hertford has a rich and varied history — from its two Conservation Areas and Hertford Castle to hidden features like post boxes, bridges and twitchells.
This section looks at how the Neighbourhood Plan can recognise, protect and celebrate these assets while guiding good design for future development.
Business & Employment
A thriving local economy keeps the town centre alive.
This section considers how we can support local shops, workplaces and services, encourage investment, and maintain Hertford as a lively place to work, visit and do business.
How local people got involved:
During the informal consultation from 13th–26th October 2025, residents and businesses were invited to explore the exhibition materials online and at local venues.
People shared their views through an online questionnaire or paper forms available at the exhibitions. Their responses helped shape the draft Castle Plus Neighbourhood Plan.
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