On 18 January 2007, Full Council adopted the Letchworth Garden City Town Centre Strategy Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). The aim of the strategy is to provide a comprehensive framework to promote integrated development and enhancement of the Letchworth town centre over a 15 year period.
The SPD seeks to provide more details on the interpretation of existing policy. This SPD expands and provides further guidance on policies 42 part (i) and Policy 58 in the current adopted District Local Plan No. 2 with Alterations. This is a ‘saved plan’ under the current legislation, until such time as it is replaced by new policies. Policy 42 seeks to support and maintain shopping as the main activity in town centres and Policy 58 requires that in Letchworth development takes into account Garden City design principles. The SPD, is supported by a Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA).
In order to ensure that the Letchworth Town Centre Strategy provided the right vision and guidelines for the town centre in the future, the Council involved and worked together with local businesses, organisations, schools, residents and key landowners.
The strategy comprises:
- a vision and aims for the town centre;
- a series of objectives whereby progress can be monitored; and
- a planning strategy for the centre including opportunity sites.
It is not a fixed blueprint but a guide to action, part of a continuing process of town centre and conservation area management.
The Council will continue to work in partnership with relevant organisations, including the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation, Herts County Council, the Letchworth Garden City Town Centre Partnership in progressing the Strategy.
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