Hertsmere's local plan process, which will set out where thousands of new homes will be built across the borough, has been delayed.

Hertsmere Borough Council says the publication of its draft local plan is now earmarked for the spring after choosing to delay due to the impact of Covid-19.

The council is currently whittling down a long list of sites which have been put forward by landowners and developers for redevelopment.

When this shortened list - or draft local plan - is published, there will be a six-week consultation period when members of the public and other interested parties will be asked to give their views on the plan, before it is submitted to the Secretary of State for examination.

The document was due to be published this year, however the council’s new head of planning, Ross Whear, signed off the revised timetable, in agreement with the council’s managing director, Sajida Bijle, and portfolio holder for planning, Councillor Harvey Cohen.

Mr Whear said: "The decision to delay publication of our plan has not been taken lightly. However, it has become apparent that the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the need for additional preparatory work means it would be impossible to keep to our original timetable.

"While it is regrettable, this in no way represents a loss for our residents and businesses. In fact, it means we can spend more time getting everything right and ensuring a smooth progression to the next stage of the local plan process."

Cllr Cohen said: "Our planners and members are committed to producing a new local plan that will enable us to meet the borough’s need for housing and jobs, whilst also protecting and enhancing Hertsmere’s unique characteristics and qualities.

"Coronavirus has made it more difficult to run public consultations in the usual way by holding exhibitions or inviting people to speak to members or councillors face-to-face.

"That means we are having to change the way we do things and we want to make sure we get our plan right.

"All through the pandemic, we've been working tirelessly towards this goal – and that work will continue apace, until we have adopted a new Local Plan and a clear way forward for our borough’s growth."

More than 2,000 people responded to an initial consultation in 2018 about the local plan in which dozens of sites were put forward by landowners.

One finalised, the local plan will be used to guide decisions on the delivery of new homes, schools, employment and services across Hertsmere up to 2036.

Visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/newlocalplan for more details