Revised plans which set out a vision of Hertsmere for the next 15 years have been given the thumbs up by a government-appointed inspector.

Hertsmere Borough Council’s Core Strategy contains development policies for housing, employment, the environment, retail and transport, and guidance on a range of other issues including natural and heritage assets, air quality and water resources.

The strategy was submitted for examination in February and public hearings were held by planning inspector Mary Travers over three days in May.

In her report, published in December, Ms Travers backed the strategy, subject to some minor changes.

These included an increase in the overall housing requirement for the borough; greater provision for affordable homes in new developments; and a commitment to undertake an assessment of housing need within three years.

Members of the public were invited to give their responses to these changes during a six-week consultation from August.

The changes will be considered by the council’s executive committee next week on Wednesday, January 9.

If approved, the core strategy will be formally adopted by full council on Wednesday, January 16.

Glen Wooldrige, the council’s director of environment, said: "We are now at the final stage of a long process, which has taken into account the views of residents, developers, town and parish councils, residents’ associations and other local and national interest groups.

"The core strategy is a very important document, which will guide town planning and development in the area for the next decade and a half."

Councillor Harvey Cohen, Conservative representative, said the core strategy aims to achieve a balance between preserving and enhancing the beauty of Hertsmere, and ensuring its economic and social vitality for the next 15 years.

He said: "It is vital that, despite all the uncertainty at national and international level, our officers and councillors have a vision for the borough which they can use to help them shape local provision and make day-to-day decisions on services that matter to our residents."

Once approved, policies within the Core Strategy will replace some of those in the current Hertsmere Local Plan, which was adopted in 2003.

The revised core Strategy and inspector's report can be viewed here: www.hertsmere.gov.uk/corestrategy