Planning in Dacorum

Social Infrastructure

Social infrastructure providing services and facilities to the community will be encouraged. New infrastructure will be: • located to aid accessibility; and • designed to allow for different activities The dual use of new and existing facilities will be encouraged wherever possible. The provision of new school facilities will be supported on Open Land and in defined zones in the Green Belt. Zones will be defined in the Green Belt where there is clear evidence of need: the effect of new building and activity on the Green Belt must, however, be minimised. Existing social infrastructure will be protected unless appropriate alternative provision is made, or satisfactory evidence is provided to prove the facility is no longer viable. The re-use of a building for an alternative social or community service or facility is preferred. All new development will be expected to contribute towards the provision of social infrastructure. For larger developments this may include land and/or buildings.

Quality of Settlement Design

The design of all new development will be expected to follow the '3 Step Approach to Successful Design' (Figure 13). At the broad settlement level, development should: (a) respect defined countryside borders and the landscape character surrounding the town or village; (b) reinforce the topography of natural landscapes and the existing soft edges of towns and villages; (c) promote higher densities in and around town centres and local centres; (d) protect and enhance significant views into and out of towns and villages; (e) deliver landmark buildings at movement and pedestrian gateways and enhance focal points with high quality architecture; (f) preserve and enhance green gateways; and (g) protect and enhance wildlife corridors.

Quality of Neighbourhood Design

Within settlements and neighbourhoods, development should: (a) respect the typical density intended in an area and enhance spaces between buildings and general character; (b) preserve attractive streetscapes and enhance any positive linkages between character areas; (c) co-ordinate streetscape design between character areas; (d) protect or enhance significant views within character areas; (e) incorporate natural surveillance to deter crime and the fear of crime; and (f) avoid large areas dominated by car parking. The quality of neighbourhood design in towns and large villages will be reinforced through a Supplementary Planning Document on Urban Design.

Quality of Site Design

On each site development should: a) provide a safe and satisfactory means of access for all users; b) provide sufficient parking and sufficient space for servicing; c) avoid visual intrusion, loss of sunlight and daylight, loss of privacy and disturbance to the surrounding properties; d) retain important trees or replace them with suitable species if their loss is justified; e) plant trees and shrubs to help assimilate development and softly screen settlement edges; f) integrate with the streetscape character; and g) respect adjoining properties in terms of: i. layout; ii. security; iii. site coverage; iv. scale; v. height; vi. bulk; vii. materials; and viii. landscaping and amenity space.

Quality of the Public Realm

New development will be expected to contribute to the quality of the public realm by: (a) providing active frontages and natural surveillance; (b) promoting clutter free streets by removing unnecessary signs and utilising multi-purpose street furniture; (c) promoting pedestrian friendly, shared spaces in appropriate places; (d) incorporating a coherent palette of sustainable surface materials, planting and street furniture; (e) including an interactive and stimulating realm with public art and appropriate lighting; and (f) incorporating suitable trees, living walls and soft landscaping.

Sustainable Design and Construction

New development will comply with the highest standards of sustainable design and construction possible. The following principles should normally be satisfied: (a) Use building materials and timber from verified sustainable sources; (b) Minimise water consumption during construction; (c) Recycle and reduce construction waste which may otherwise go to landfill. (d) Provide an adequate means of water supply, surface water and foul drainage; (e) Plan to limit residential indoor water consumption to 105 litres per person per day until national statutory guidance supersedes this advice; (f) Plan to minimise carbon dioxide emissions; (g) Maximise the energy efficiency performance of the building fabric, in accordance with the energy hierarchy set out in Figure 16; (h) Incorporate at least one new tree per dwelling/per 100sqm (for non residential developments) on-site; (i) Minimise impacts on biodiversity and incorporate positive measures to support wildlife; (j) Minimise impermeable surfaces around the curtilage of buildings and in new street design; (k) Incorporate permeable and lighter coloured surfaces within urban areas; and (l) Provide on-site recycling facilities for waste. Buildings will be designed to have a long life and adaptable internal layout. Applicants will therefore need to explain how: (i) they have considered the whole life cycle of the building and how the materials could be recycled at the end of the building's life; and (ii) their design has been 'future proofed' to enable retrofitting to meet tighter energy efficiency standards and connection to decentralised community heating systems. For specified types of development applicants should provide a Sustainability Statement. Where new development cannot meet on-site energy or tree planting requirements, the applicant will be expected to contribute towards sustainability offsetting if at all possible (see Policy CS30). If a scheme would be unviable or there is not a technically feasible approach, the principles in this policy may be relaxed.

Economic Development

Sufficient land will be allocated to accommodate growth in the economy of approximately 10,000 jobs between 2006 and 2031. Development that supports the knowledge-based economy, the transition to a low carbon economy, the rural economy and sustainable tourism, will be particularly encouraged. Most employment generating development will be located in town and local centres and General Employment Areas in accordance with Policies CS1 and CS4. Hemel Hempstead will be the main focus for new economic development uses, which will be used to support the regeneration of the Maylands Business Park and Hemel Hempstead town centre. Employment levels elsewhere within the borough will be maintained to ensure a spread of job opportunities. Initiatives that help the local workforce adjust to change and develop their skills will be supported.

Offices, Research, Industry, Storage and Distribution

A minimum area of land will be identified and retained for B class uses. It comprises: • General Employment Areas; • employment proposal sites; • land in town and local centres; and • employment areas in the Green Belt. The area will be managed so that between 2006 and 2031: • a target of around 131,000 sq m (net) additional office floorspace can be met: and • the stock of floorspace for industry, storage and distribution remains broadly unchanged. Development proposals that include provision for small businesses will be encouraged. General Employment Areas will be protected for B-class uses. New B-class development within General Employment Areas will be supported provided that it: (a) is in accordance with the specific uses permissible in each General Employment Area; and (b) contributes to environmental improvements within the General Employment Area. New office uses will be directed to core office locations and Hemel Hempstead town centre.

Maylands Business Park

New development will: a) contribute fully to the achievement of use, movement and design principles; and b) meet relevant opportunities for character zones within Maylands Business Park. The principles guiding development are to: 1. use: (a) secure HQ offices and other, complementary uses in an open land setting in Maylands Gateway; (b) deliver services and facilities to support small and large businesses in appropriate character zones; (c) deliver a local centre in the Heart of Maylands to support residents and workers; (d) create an energy park or alternative provision for green energy generation; (e) secure better waste management facilities; (f) retain and improve the Nickey Line, and create new public meeting spaces; 2. movement: (a) secure an integrated public transport hub; (b) facilitate easier walking and cycling throughout the business park; (c) establish an area-wide Green Travel Plan with appropriate traffic management and parking; (d) create a new access point off Breakspear Way to link to Boundary Way; (e) complete the North East Hemel Hempstead relief road; (f) secure a lorry parking facility near the North East Hemel Hempstead relief road; 3. design: (a) emphasise the importance of movement gateways through appropriate features and bolder building design, height and landscaping; (b) distinguish between character zones and follow a co-ordinated approach to building design, movement and streetscape; (c) deliver district heating and additional large-scale/high capacity renewable energy generation technologies.

Carbon Emission Reductions

Carbon emission reductions will be sought in the generation and use of energy, building design and construction, and the use of transport as far as possible. Targets and opportunities for generating renewable electricity and heat will be set out in further guidance. Policy CS29 addresses design and construction and Policy CS8 transport. A Sustainability Offset Fund will be used to help reduce carbon emissions and/or enable carbon fixing (see Policy CS30).

Sustainability Offsetting

The contribution of development towards sustainability offsetting measures will be determined in accordance with prevailing regulation and planning policy. Offsetting may include off-site work and planting, and contributions to a Sustainability Offset Fund. Details on the Council's approach to sustainability offsetting, including the operation of the Sustainability Offset Fund, will be set out in further guidance.

The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The special qualities of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty will be conserved. The scarp slope will be protected from development that would have a negative impact upon its skyline. Development will have regard to the policies and actions set out in the Chilterns Conservation Board's Management Plan and support the principles set out within the Chilterns Buildings Design Guide and associated technical notes.

Landscape Character

All development will help conserve and enhance Dacorum's natural and historic landscape. Proposals will be assessed for their impact on landscape features to ensure that they conserve or improve the prevailing landscape quality, character and condition and take full account of the Dacorum Landscape Character Assessment, Historic Landscape Characterisation and advice contained within the Hertfordshire Historic Environment Record.

Green Infrastructure

The Green Infrastructure Network will be protected, extended and enhanced. Habitat management zones, projects and more detailed policies will be set out in a Supplementary Planning Document and related Action Plan(s). National and local Biodiversity Action Plans will be supported. Designated sites will be protected and opportunities taken to link them with the wider Green Infrastructure Network. Development and management action will contribute towards: • the conservation and restoration of habitats and species; • the strengthening of biodiversity corridors; • the creation of better public access and links through green space; and • a greater range of uses in urban green spaces. Open spaces will be managed in accordance with the Council's Green Space Strategy. Delivery will be achieved through planning and land management, by: • identification of development sites and their requirements within the Site Allocations DPD and East Hemel Hempstead AAP; • following the Development Management DPD and supplementary planning documents; • acting sensitively on the results of environmental assessments and analyses; • the use of the Landscape Character Assessments (including historic characterisation); • implementation of the Green Infrastructure and Green Space Strategies and Biodiversity Action Plan objectives; • adherence to the Chilterns Building Design Guide and associated technical notes; • implementation of the Management Plan for the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and associated guidance; • supporting broad based initiatives from national and local conservation organisations such as the Chilterns Conservation Board, Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, Hertfordshire Biological Records Centre and the Hertfordshire Countryside Management Service, and working in partnership with them; • supporting measures which develop sound food and woodland economies and help maintain the countryside (e.g. farmers markets); • encouraging the take up of agri-environment grants through partners; and • implementation and monitoring of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP).

Water Management

Water will be retained in the natural environment as far as possible. Measures to restore natural flows in the river systems and the water environment will be supported. Supply to the Grand Union Canal will be maintained. Development will be required to: (a) avoid Flood Zones 2 and 3 unless it is for a compatible use: Flood Risk Assessments must accompany planning applications for development in these areas, explaining how the sequential approach to development has been taken into account and outlining appropriate mitigation measures; (b) minimise water runoff; (c) secure opportunities to reduce the cause and impact of flooding, such as using green infrastructure for flood storage; (d) secure opportunities to conserve and enhance biodiversity; and (e) avoid damage to Groundwater Source Protection Zones.

Air, Soil and Water Quality

Development will be required to help: (a) support improvements in identified Air Quality Management Areas and maintain air quality standards throughout the area; (b) maintain soil quality standards and remediate contaminated land in line with Environment Agency, Defra and Natural England guidance; and (c) improve water quality standards in line with the Water Framework Directive, Environment Agency and Natural England guidance. Any development proposals which would cause harm from a significant increase in pollution (into the air, soil or any water body) by virtue of the emissions of fumes, particles, effluent, radiation, smell, heat, light, noise or noxious substances, will not be permitted. Advice on the storage and handling of hazardous substances will be taken from the Health and Safety Executive.

Green Belt

The Council will apply national Green Belt policy to protect the openness and character of the Green Belt, local distinctiveness and the physical separation of settlements. There will be no general review of the Green Belt boundary through the Site Allocations DPD, although local allocations (under Policies CS2 and CS3) will be permitted. Within the Green Belt, small-scale development will be permitted: i.e. (a) building for the uses defined as appropriate in national policy; (b) the replacement of existing buildings for the same use; (c) limited extensions to existing buildings; (d) the appropriate reuse of permanent, substantial buildings; and (e) the redevelopment of previously developed sites*, including major developed sites which will be defined on the Proposals Map provided that: i. it has no significant impact on the character and appearance of the countryside; and ii. it supports the rural economy and maintenance of the wider countryside. Further guidance will be provided. Development within selected small villages in the Green Belt will be permitted in accordance with Policy CS6.

Selected Small Villages in the Green Belt

Within Chipperfield, Flamstead, Potten End and Wigginton the following will be permitted: (a) the replacement of existing buildings; (b) limited infilling with affordable housing for local people; (c) conversion of houses into flats; (d) house extensions; (e) development for uses closely related to agriculture, forestry and open air recreation, which cannot reasonably be accommodated elsewhere; and (f) local facilities to meet the needs of the village. Each development must: i. be sympathetic to its surroundings, including the adjoining countryside, in terms of local character, design, scale, landscaping and visual impact; and ii. retain and protect features essential to the character and appearance of the village.

Rural Area

Within the Rural Area, the following uses are acceptable: (a) agriculture; (b) forestry; (c) mineral extraction; (d) countryside recreation uses; (e) social, community and leisure uses; (f) essential utility services; and (g) uses associated with a farm diversification project, which can be demonstrated to be necessary for the continuing viability of the farm business and consistent with the principles of sustainable development. Small-scale development will be permitted: i.e. (i) for the above uses; (ii) the replacement of existing buildings for the same use; (iii) limited extensions to existing buildings; (iv) the appropriate reuse of permanent, substantial buildings; and (v) the redevelopment of previously developed sites* provided that: i. it has no significant impact on the character and appearance of the countryside; and ii. it supports the rural economy and maintenance of the wider countryside. Further guidance will be provided. Small-scale development for housing, employment and other purposes will be permitted at Aldbury, Long Marston and Wilstone, provided that it complies with Policy CS1: Distribution of Development and Policy CS2 Selection of Development Sites.

Quality of the Historic Environment

All development will favour the conservation of heritage assets. The integrity, setting and distinctiveness of designated and undesignated heritage assets will be protected, conserved and if appropriate enhanced. Development will positively conserve and enhance the appearance and character of conservation areas. Negative features and problems identified in conservation area appraisals will be ameliorated or removed. Features of known or potential archaeological interest will be surveyed, recorded and wherever possible retained. Supplementary planning documents will provide further guidance.

Mix of Housing

New housing development will provide a choice of homes. This will comprise: (a) a range of housing types, sizes and tenure; (b) housing for those with special needs; and (c) affordable housing in accordance with Policy CS19. Decisions on the appropriate type of mix of homes within development proposals will be guided by strategic housing market assessments and housing needs surveys, and informed by other housing market intelligence and site-specific considerations.

Affordable Housing

Affordable homes will be provided: on sites of a minimum size 0.3ha or 10 dwellings (and larger) in Hemel Hempstead; and elsewhere, on sites of a minimum size of 0.16ha or 5 dwellings (and larger). A financial contribution will be sought in lieu of affordable housing on sites which fall below these thresholds. 35% of the new dwellings should be affordable homes. Higher levels may be sought on sites which are specified by the Council in a development plan document, provided development would be viable and need is evident. On rural housing sites 100% of all new homes will normally be affordable (Policy CS20). A minimum of 75% of the affordable housing units provided should be for rent. Judgements about the level, mix and tenure of affordable homes will have regard to: (a) the Council's Housing Strategy, identified housing need and other relevant evidence (see Policy CS18); (b) the potential to enlarge the site; (c) the overall viability of the scheme and any abnormal costs; and (d) arrangements to ensure that the benefit of all affordable housing units passes from the initial occupiers of the property to successive occupiers Further, detailed guidance is provided in the Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document.

Rural Sites for Affordable Homes

Small-scale schemes for local affordable homes will be promoted in and adjoining selected small villages in the countryside (see Policies CS6 and CS7), and exceptionally elsewhere with the support of the local Parish Council. Development will only be permitted if: (a) it meets an identified local need for affordable housing; (b) the housing is for people who have a strong local connection with the village or parish through work, residence or family; and (c) the scheme is of a scale and design that respects the character, setting and form of the village and surrounding countryside. Any site on the edge of a village must represent a logical extension to it.

Existing Accommodation for Travelling Communities

Existing pitches, plots and mooring basins will be safeguarded from alternative development unless: (a) a satisfactory replacement is provided; or (b) there is no further need for the facility.

New Accommodation for Gypsies and Travellers

The target for new pitches will be set according to the most recent Gypsy and Traveller Needs Assessment agreed by the Council. The target will be progressively met through the provision and management of new sites. New sites will be: (a) distributed in a dispersed pattern around settlements; (b) located close to facilities; (c) of varying sizes, not normally exceeding a site capacity of 15 pitches; (d) planned to allow for part occupation initially, allowing subsequent growth to full site capacity; and (e) designed to a high standard with: (i) an open frontage similar to other forms of housing; and (ii) landscaping or other physical features to provide an appropriate setting and relationship to existing residential areas. Priority will be given to the provision of sites which are defined on the Proposals Map. If other proposals come forward, they will be judged on the basis of the need for that provision. Any new transit pitches should also: (a) achieve good access to the M1 or A41 main roads; and (b) minimise potential disturbance to adjoining occupiers.

New Housing

An average of 430 net additional dwellings will be provided each year (between 2006 and 2031). The new housing will be phased over the plan period and a five year supply of housing maintained. Existing housing land and dwellings will normally be retained. Delivery will be achieved by: • identifying housing allocations, their planning requirements and expected phasing in the Site Allocations DPD and East Hemel Hempstead Area Action Plan; • preparing master plans for important sites; • implementing the Council's Housing Strategy; • monitoring of development progress in the Annual Monitoring Report; • working with developers and landowners, and other partners such as the County Council and registered providers; and • using the Council's resources in co-ordination with investment plans of key organisations such as the Homes and Communities Agency.

Selection of Development Sites

Development sites will be chosen in accordance with the following sequence and priorities: A. Within defined settlements on: 1. Previously developed land and buildings; 2. Areas of high accessibility; and 3. Other land in all cases where this does not conflict with other policies, and then; B. Extensions to defined settlements (i.e. local allocations, see Policy CS3). The development of any of these sites must: (a) allow good transport connections (see Policy CS8); (b) have full regard to environmental assets, constraints and opportunities; (c) ensure the most effective use of land; (d) respect local character and landscape context; (e) accord with the approach to urban structure (see Policy CS4); and (f) comply with Policy CS35 regarding infrastructure delivery and phasing.

Managing Selected Development Sites

Local allocations will be delivered from 2021. Those required in the plan period are listed in Table 9: they will be managed as countryside* until needed for development. The release date for development will be set out in the Site Allocations DPD and be guided by: (a) the availability of infrastructure in the settlement; (b) the relative need for the development at that settlement; and (c) the benefits it would bring to the settlement. The release date of any local allocation may be brought forward in order to maintain a five year housing land supply. The Council will take this decision through its Annual Monitoring Report process.

Existing Accommodation for Travelling Communities

Existing pitches, plots and mooring basins will be safeguarded from alternative development unless: (a) a satisfactory replacement is provided; or (b) there is no further need for the facility.

Infrastructure and Developer Contributions

All development will provide or contribute to the provision of the on-site, local and strategic infrastructure required to support the development. This may be provided in-kind or through financial contributions. Supporting infrastructure should be provided in advance of, or alongside the development, unless there is existing capacity. Appropriate phasing for the delivery of infrastructure will be decided on a case by case basis. Financial contributions will be used in accordance with needs set out in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan Development will not be permitted to breach critical infrastructure capacity limits.

Distribution of Development

Decisions on the scale and location of development will be made in accordance with the settlement hierarchy in Table 1. Hemel Hempstead will be the focus for homes, jobs and strategic services, with the emphasis upon: a) retaining the separate identity of the town; b) enhancing the vitality and attractiveness of the town centre in accordance with Policy CS33; c) maintaining a balanced distribution of employment growth, with growth and rejuvenation in the Maylands Business Park; d) maintaining the existing neighbourhood pattern; e) making best use of existing green infrastructure; and f) locating development a safe distance from hazardous installations. Any new development should: i. be based on the neighbourhood concept; ii. provide for its own infrastructure; and iii. support relevant town-wide needs. The market towns and large villages will accommodate new development for housing, employment and other uses, provided that it: a) is of a scale commensurate with the size of the settlement and the range of local services and facilities; b) helps maintain the vitality and viability of the settlement and the surrounding countryside; c) causes no damage to the existing character of the settlement or its adjoining countryside; and d) is compatible with policies protecting the Green Belt and Rural Area. The rural character of the borough will be conserved. Development that supports the vitality and viability of local communities, causes no damage to the existing character of a village and/or surrounding area and is compatible with policies protecting and enhancing the Green Belt, Rural Area and Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty will be supported.

Hemel Hempstead Town Centre

New development will: a) contribute fully to the achievement of town centre uses, movement and design principles; and b) meet relevant opportunities for character zones within the town centre. The principles guiding development are to: 1. use: (a) secure additional retail stores in the Marlowes Shopping Zone and a new food store; (b) deliver a mix of uses to support the prime retail function; (c) encourage an attractive evening economy along Waterhouse Street; (d) deliver a range of new homes; (e) create new offices; (f) deliver new leisure, education and cultural facilities, including a primary school and library; (g) keep a public sector presence; (h) restore the Water Gardens, and retain and create other public spaces; 2. movement: (a) secure an integrated public transport hub and circulation within the centre; (b) provide better east-west links, particularly for pedestrians; (c) continue the riverside walk from the Plough Zone to Gadebridge Park; (d) improve cycling provision; 3. design: (a) emphasise pedestrian movement gateways through bold building design, height and landscaping; (b) provide active frontages; (c) apply a co-ordinated approach to building and streetscape design; (d) use high quality materials and public art to complement the existing palette of materials and features; (e) restore artwork and create new complementary pieces of art; and (f) deliver district heating and additional large-scale / high capacity renewable energy generation technologies.

The Towns and Large Villages

Development will be guided to the appropriate areas within settlements. In residential areas appropriate residential development is encouraged. Non-residential development for small-scale social, community, leisure and business purposes is also encouraged, provided it is compatible with its surroundings. In General Employment Areas appropriate employment generating development is encouraged. In town centres and local centres a mix of uses is sought. The following uses are encouraged: (a) shopping uses (including financial and professional services and catering establishments); (b) compatible leisure uses; (c) business uses, including offices; (d) residential uses; and (e) social and community uses. Shopping, business development and residential uses will be controlled to enable a broad range of uses to be maintained or achieved. A high density of development, linked to the achievement of sustainability objectives, is generally supported. The mixed use of individual buildings is also generally encouraged. In open land areas the primary planning purpose is to maintain the generally open character. Development proposals will be assessed against relevant open land polices. Mixed-use development will be supported where it supports the principles of sustainable development and does not conflict with other policies. In all areas, ancillary uses will be acceptable and protected, provided that they support the primary function of that area.

Supporting Development

The Council will take a positive approach to the consideration of development proposals, reflecting the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. The Council will work proactively with applicants to find solutions for development proposals that help to improve the economic, social and environmental conditions in Dacorum. Proposals which accord with the development plan will be brought forward and approved unless material considerations indicate otherwise. If the development plan contains no policy relevant to the consideration of a planning application or policies are out of date, the Council will grant permission unless • policies in the National Planning Policy Framework*, or • other material circumstances indicate otherwise. Footnote: *This element of the policy means that planning permission can be refused if: - there are specific policies in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which indicate development should be restricted, or - there are adverse impacts which would demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the NPPF as a whole.

Shops and Commerce

The main retail hierarchy of town centres and local centres (listed in Table 5) will be strengthened by encouraging appropriate new retail development and retaining sufficient existing shops in these centres. New retail development will be assessed in terms of its location, scale and impact. It will be permitted if it accords with the retail hierarchy and conforms to the sequential approach. Most retail development will be directed to the town and local centres. Opportunities will be given to provide capacity for the following amounts of floorspace if there is demand: Town Centre Square Metres (net) Comparison Convenience Total Hemel Hempstead 15,500 32,000 47,500 6,000 53,500 2009-2021 2022-2031 Total Berkhamsted 6,000 1,000 7,000 Total Tring 2,500 750 3,250 New retail floorspace will only be permitted outside of defined centres if the proposal complies with the sequential approach and demonstrates a positive overall outcome in terms of the impact assessment. Hemel Hempstead will be the main destination for comparison goods shopping, leisure, entertainment and civic and cultural activities. Other centres will provide core shopping facilities and services for their local communities. Development proposals that promote a diverse evening economy in the town centres will be supported provided that their social and environmental impacts are controlled.

Sustainable Transport

All new development will contribute to a well connected and accessible transport system whose principles are to: (a) give priority to the needs of other road and passenger transport users over the private car in the following order: pedestrians cyclists passenger transport (buses, trains and taxis) powered two wheeled vehicles other motor vehicles; (b) ensure good access for people with disabilities; (c) ensure passenger transport is integrated with movement on roads, footways and cycleways; (d) create safer and continuous footpath and cycle networks, particularly in the towns; (e) maintain and extend the rural rights of way network; (f) improve road safety and air quality; (g) strengthen links to and between key facilities (bus and railway stations, hospitals, main employers and town centres); and (h) provide sufficient, safe and convenient parking based on car parking standards: the application of those standards will take account of the accessibility of the location, promoting economic development and regeneration, supporting shopping areas, safeguarding residential amenity and ensuring highway safety. Development proposals will also contribute to the implementation of the strategies and priorities set out in the Local Transport Plan and local Urban Transport Plans.

Management of Roads

All new development will be directed to the appropriate category of road in the road hierarchy based on its scale, traffic generation, safety impact, and environmental effect. The traffic generated from new development must be compatible with the location, design and capacity of the current and future operation of the road hierarchy, taking into account any planned improvements and cumulative effects of incremental developments. Improvements to the network and all traffic management measures will be designed to channel long distance through traffic onto the motorway and primary roads (i.e. M1, M25, A5 and A41). In Hemel Hempstead road improvements will focus on relieving congestion in and around the Maylands Business Park, including the delivery of a new north-eastern relief route, and improving the capacity and safety of the Plough Roundabout. Elsewhere, small-scale improvements will be undertaken to tackle local environmental and safety problems. Other new road capacity will only be justified for local environmental, air quality (including any declared Air Quality Management Areas), safety reasons, or for accommodating local access requirements. Local road space will be shared and designed to allow the safe movement of all users. In villages and the countryside, special regard will be paid to the effect of new development and traffic on the safety and environmental character of country lanes.