Renewal leads discussions at September’s HIDB meeting
The September meeting of the Hertfordshire Infrastructure and Development Board (HIDB) marked a significant moment of renewal. Heading into a new season, we had a new venue, fresh faces among the members and a restructured Hertfordshire Growth Board executive team. The event, attended by key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, centred around the themes of economic growth and investment—crucial topics as the county navigates a period of transition under the new Labour Government and anticipated updates to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
The meeting launched with a keynote speech from Cllr Jeremy Newmark, the new Chairman of the Hertfordshire Growth Board, who set the stage for the discussions by emphasising the importance of smart, sustainable growth that aligns with the needs of local communities across Hertfordshire. His address was followed by a panel discussion chaired by Nikki Davies, CEO of Meeting Place; Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council; Paul Mumford, Project Director at Urban & Civic; and Oliver Myrants Wilson, Land & Planning Director at Griggs Homes.
The panel tackled a range of pressing issues, starting with reflections on the recent general election. The discussion highlighted both optimism and concerns about the new government’s early moves, particularly in terms of housing and growth policies. They shared thoughts on how the proposed changes to the NPPF, such as increasing housing targets and the introduction of “grey belt” land, could impact the county. Cllr Newmark noted the potential for such changes to unlock significant growth in Hertfordshire, although there were also concerns about balancing local impacts with broader benefits, particularly in the context of renewable energy projects.
The conversation then shifted to organisational responses to these challenges, highlighting their respective efforts to contribute to high-quality, sustainable development in the county. The discussion also touched on the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the housing market, with Oliver Myrants Wilson addressing the need for greater government support for SME housebuilders, who play a vital role in placemaking.
Paul Mumford provided insights into the development of new garden communities, sharing lessons from the ongoing project at Baldock. He emphasised the importance of learning from these experiences to ensure future developments are both sustainable and aligned with local needs.
Overall, the September HIDB meeting underscored the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving sustainable growth in Hertfordshire. The discussions highlighted both the opportunities and challenges ahead, particularly with evolving government policies, leaving attendees and HIDB’s board with a renewed commitment to ensuring that Hertfordshire’s growth is inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of its residents.