Shaping the future of Our Growth and Infrastructure Strategy to 2050

Contents

01 02 03 04 Why we created Our vision Relationship to Our approach to the things this strategy for Dacorum other council that matter to you through to 2050 plans and strategies Theme 1 Building Dacorum’s future with homes for everyone

Theme 2 Generating a vibrant economy with opportunities for all

Theme 3 A happier, healthier and safer Dacorum

Theme 4 Creating a clean, green and attractive Dacorum

Theme 5 On-track for a better transport network

Theme 6 Harnessing the opportunity of technology and digital connectivity 01 Why we created this strategy

4 We all know that things change We will see a large increase in the very quickly these days – the way job opportunities in the Borough, we live, work, travel, learn and many of which will be in cutting-edge enjoy ourselves. This brings forward application and development of new exciting opportunities to make the technologies and key growth sectors. future better than now, but this Alongside this we will experience, won’t happen by accident. It will and have to shape, a level of housing require an approach – a clear vision – and community growth that the of how we want to shape the future Borough hasn’t experienced since as a community. This means we have the last rapid expansion of Hemel to be clear about the things we need Hempstead that happened in the to do to ensure that we don’t get left 1970s. behind. And we need to have a clear strategy for how we are going to The future presents us with a range make things happen. of opportunities and challenges, which the six key theme areas of this This is why we have created this strategy cover. strategy to articulate what sort of future we want and how we are There will be huge investment from going to deliver it. The next few the private sector into the economy decades could see unprecedented that will see thousands of jobs investment in the Borough and we created, many of which will be in the want to get it right. sectors of the future – technology, environmental improvement and This process is exciting. It gives us protection – as well as more efficient the chance to grasp opportunities and effective ways of delivering the and build for the future, while solving services and goods we need. Much some of the challenges we face in of this job growth will be in Maylands our Borough today. Development will and the Herts IQ Enterprise Zone happen – in jobs, homes, transport – Innovation Quarter - and other infrastructure – but if we but will also happen across the whole don’t act to shape it, we can’t be Borough. But we will have to work sure that the best interests of the hard to encourage and attract the Borough are being addressed. sort of growth that we want.

Copyright: DW Windsor, James Newton. Why we created this strategy | 5 Perhaps the biggest change, The Council has declared a Climate challenge and opportunity coming Emergency and has pledged to the way of Dacorum (and the rest be zero carbon with respect to of the Home Counties area) is the the Council’s own impact through need for an accelerated delivery of its service delivery by 2030. We new housing. Whilst our new Local will also be working together with Plan will determine the appropriate businesses and the community to level of growth, the evidence points help deliver the national target of towards a considerable step- being zero carbon as a nation by change in the amount and rate of 2050. Whilst this is a huge challenge, development, which ranges from it also offers great opportunity between a doubling to a trebling of in developing employment and what the Borough has been used to business with activities to bring over the past 20 years or so. our C02 down to zero and remain sustainable in the future. Dacorum has always been a popular and attractive location for growth Responding to, planning for, and and investment. Our high quality managing opportunity and change urban and rural environments, sitting requires us to take a new approach, just 30 miles to the north of London working with our residents, and in a pivotal position on the major businesses and with Government transport networks, provides both and our partner organisations. It the opportunity to expand, yet the starts with a vision and a clear set of need to ensure this is managed in objectives, which this Strategy sets a comprehensive and co-ordinated out. It will require us to subsequently way. Within Hertfordshire, the Local develop proactive plans of action Enterprise Partnership’s Strategic which co-ordinate the work of Economic Plan recognises and sets all stakeholders, consider new three growth corridors based on development delivery models and set the M1 and M25 motorways, which a framework for investment in the Dacorum falls into, and around the Borough to ensure the development A1(M) and M11/A10. The context we need, and that the infrastructure for future growth and expansion is to support it is delivered. therefore high and pressing.

All of this needs to be done in a way that maintains and enhances the great qualities that Dacorum has – vibrant communities, high quality countryside and a great place to live, work and enjoy.

6 This strategy sets out the foundations for how we deal with a rapidly growing community in anticipating change and preparing for it well in advance in ways that ensure we keep a wonderful environment, have the services and facilities that local people need - solving the challenges we’re facing today, while building for tomorrow.

Opportunity and Change as Carefully considered and positive forces comprehensive We’ve created this strategy to ensure This vision will steer how we deliver we make the most of the potential a range of services, including: high benefits on offer for our borough. quality housing and new housing It’s essentially a plan that helps us delivery; economic and business ensure the key areas that we look development; health and wellbeing; after are connected, coordinated, and parks, open spaces and tourism; working towards a common goal. the environment; transport; and technology. It will also help us to This strategy sets out the identify how we can work with foundations for our policies and others to achieve our overall vision services in a way that solves the for Dacorum. challenges we’re facing today, while building for tomorrow, too. It will be So, read on to find out how we’re the product of the Council working going to help Dacorum become an collaboratively with partners and even better place to live, work and stakeholders across our community. enjoy – now and in the future. We will continue to engage with residents, leaders, public sector organisations and businesses. This is a plan that will deliver benefits for everyone.

Why we created this strategy | 7 02 Our vision for Dacorum from today until 2050

We want Dacorum to be known as a place where... everyone has the both residents and families and young best start in life. businesses have people are welcome, the opportunity where older to achieve people are valued, their hopes and and where the expectations. vulnerable can get the help they need.

8 But what does that vision mean when it comes to some of the things that matter the most to you?

It means… for the economy for the environment A vibrant economy that makes the A borough that preserves and most of its location and its transport protects its local environment, links, as well as offering varied placing an emphasis on green high-value jobs. One that attracts initiatives such as recycling, air businesses in emerging growth quality monitoring and sustainable sectors, keeps unemployment low transport. Somewhere with plenty of and continues to attract high levels well-maintained green spaces, where of investment by working with the the environment is protected and business community. flourishing. We will also have to act to meet the challenges and changes for housing to mitigate the impact of climate A borough where people have access change and Hertfordshire’s zero to a range of quality homes to meet carbon target by 2050. everyone’s needs irrespective of their income. And where effective for travel use is made of land across our towns An area where people can travel and villages, meeting the locally easily and sustainably, and move generated demand for new homes between their homes, jobs and while protecting the countryside and leisure activities within the borough existing communities. and further afield. A transport network that has a positive influence for health and wellbeing on our quality of life, where people A place where people can lead feel connected to shops, parks, healthy lives, in a society that’s safe schools, their place of work or and where the local community is worship – and to one another. engaged. An area where a better This will require new approaches understanding of how to stay healthy to reduce reliance on cars. is encouraged, and where everyone enjoys access to green space. for technology Where the latest technology can be A place that makes the most of harnessed to help keep residents technology to deliver services to safe. And where leisure services are all, powered by excellent internet delivered that promote individual and connectivity. We want our residents, community wellbeing. businesses and voluntary sector partners to be able to access and for tourism use digital services effectively A buoyant visitor economy that (whilst providing personal face to capitalises on attractions both within face contact where needed), which the borough and on our doorstep. A will transform the way that people tourism industry that enhances the live and work, as well as improving reputation of the borough, improves council service delivery. our parks and gardens, and provides access to attractive leisure activities.

Our vision for Dacorum from today until 2050 | 9 03 Relationship to other Council Plans and Strategies

10 The Council has a wide range of So where does this document plans and strategies, which range link in with the Local Plan and the from the overriding Corporate Plan Corporate Plan? Essentially, it sets – which shapes the overall direction out how the Council will make the of what the Council’s priorities will growth that the Local Plan is required be and what it will deliver over the to deliver work for the existing and next few years – to a wide range of new communities in the Borough. service and statutory plans that add This means being clear how the more detail to this. Council – in partnership with other organisations where appropriate – The Corporate Plan is refreshed will ensure the right sort of housing every four years to align with the is delivered, that infrastructure will Council’s election process, the latest be provided on time, that open review was agreed in late 2019. space is available and properly This will include the Medium Term maintained and how it will provide Financial Strategy, which sets out the services for a considerably larger key spending plans. It also guides population. It is vital that this work is the other service plans for the whole in place before the growth happens. Council. So essentially this plan guides what the Council will do regarding The Council is also required growth and makes this clear to local to produce a Local Plan as the people, partner organisations and statutory development plan, which developers. is guided by Town and Country Planning legislation and a range of government priorities as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework. The Local Plan will set out how development will be managed. It will show where – and how – housing and other growth will happen. Work is underway on this, which includes a major consultation process which happened in 2017 and received over 20,000 comments from the public and others. The draft plan will be complete in the spring of 2020 and will go out once more for consultation. Following this – and any changes that may be made – it will go to Examination by a Planning Inspector. This will deal with the major growth issues in the Borough as well as ongoing planning matters. It should be in place by 2022.

Relationship to other council plans and strategies | 11 04 Our approach to the things that matter to you

12 13 Theme 1

Building Dacorum’s future with homes for everyone

14 Our vision Laying the foundations for growth Ensuring everyone benefits Our borough is growing, and it’s a By focusing on the development The necessary infrastructure – like hugely exciting time to live, work of high quality, safe and affordable roads, schools, GPs and public and spend time in Dacorum. But to homes including for those most in transport links – needs to be ensure that this growth is a positive, need, we can support the evolution introduced alongside or in advance we need the right type and number of strong and vibrant communities of new developments too. This of houses. Dacorum’s future depends across Dacorum. While meeting will make living and working in the on a sustainable and carefully this need for new homes, we’re also borough easier and more convenient. considered housing policy today. seeking to make sure that developed Most importantly, we need to And given that we all know there is a land in towns and villages is used consider the impact of housing shortage of suitable homes including effectively, and that our beautiful on our society. Safe, clean and truly affordable ones in the country countryside is protected as much attractive living environments don’t there will be a lot more new homes as possible. And we’re working hard just encourage economic growth and communities delivered than we to harness the opportunities that and prosperity, they promote better have seen for some time. It is the housing development brings to mental health and wellbeing too. number one thing to get right. improve life for existing communities and residents. Our vision is an approach to housing that creates opportunities for all Dacorum residents – with new developments that deliver a positive impact and enhance existing communities.

Our vision is a housing policy that creates opportunities for all Dacorum citizens – with new developments that deliver a positive impact and enhance existing communities.

Building Dacorum’s future with homes for everyone | 15 A coordinated plan Investing to tackle the Supporting vulnerable residents Answering all these demands with housing shortage We’ve delivered a 41-bed homeless one plan is a real challenge. But The £15 million in grant funding hostel. On top of that, while we’ve it’s a challenge we can solve if we we’ve provided to local housing managed to achieve high levels of adopt a coordinated approach – associations has enabled the delivery rental income, we’re also supporting addressing closely related areas like of 193 affordable homes since 2012. those of our tenants who are most the economy, the environment and By 2019 the Council had built over acutely in need of relief through the transport at the same time. 200 homes for social rent, 100 that Tenancy Sustainment Team. will complete in 2021 and over That’s why we’ve made housing 400 in the future programme to be Raising safety standards a central component in our wider delivered before 2024. Meanwhile, We’re committed to improving strategy for Dacorum’s future. And our 10,200 social-rented housing health and safety standards, and it forms the cornerstone of our stock and 1,800 leasehold properties we’re doing that by developing commitment to help our residents, are all maintained to high level. and delivering robust policies and businesses and communities to standards around fire and gas safety, thrive and prosper. Planning pro-actively for Legionella, asbestos management new growth and proactive electrical testing. What we’ve achieved so far Our Core Strategy from 2013 set Over the last 5–10 years we’ve plans for over 10,000 new homes Solving private sector achieved a great deal already, and in Dacorum by 2031. It has set housing problems this success has set us up to push regeneration plans for 1,800 new The housing service has recently ahead and build a better, brighter homes in town launched a new Private Sector future for Dacorum. centre – much of which is either Housing Team, tasked with tackling complete or is now at planning rogue landlords and addressing poor Beating new home targets stages. It has identified new sites in property conditions that affect the The Council has been successful our towns and villages, with the main health and wellbeing of Dacorum over recent years in ensuring that developments subject to planning residents. new homes have been built in proposals. And we have brought the Borough – this includes those forward a regeneration plan for delivered by the private sector as around 1,300 new homes in the Two Grant funding well as the Council and Housing Waters area of Hemel Hempstead. has provided Associations. For example in 2017, Work is well under way on our new 620 new homes were completed Local Plan which will address the against a target of 420, of these, 135 challenge of significantly boosting were classed as affordable housing. the housing supply and planning for the major growth that this Strategy m addresses. The new Plan is due for £15 draft completion by spring 2020.

to local housing associations, delivering 193 affordable homes since 2012.

16 The challenges we’re facing

Meeting the demand for Affordability of housing for Over the next new housing everyone in society 20 years, a forecast of We’re responsible for ensuring a We’re under pressure to increase the high number of new houses are supply of homes – across all tenures, delivered –based on Government to meet all needs and affordability policy – between now and 2036. levels. This includes an ageing And there’s an increasing pressure population and also those with % to bring forward the delivery of disabilities or mental health issues. 60 those homes to meet the demand for all types of housing as quickly Addressing the needs of an as possible. This puts us – along ageing population with many other authorities – in Across Dacorum there are increase in residents over a very difficult position, having to approximately 65,000 properties 65+ years old. balance the demand for new houses housing over 153,000 people. while protecting the countryside, More than 15% of those are 65 environment and existing or older. Data from the Office of communities. National Statistics (ONS) suggests that this percentage is likely to Protecting our green spaces grow significantly over the next 20 Our Green Belt land and Areas of years, with a forecast 60% increase Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in residents in the 65+ age bracket are some of the most attractive in living in Dacorum. This once again the country. And we’re passionate affects the type of homes we can about preserving them. To minimise build. What changes do we need in the impact on our Green Belt land, the type of homes available which some developments may need to be meet the needs of people as they brought forward to use previously get older? This is a real challenge we developed land (sometimes referred need to resolve. to as ‘brownfield’ land). And this may also result in a greater density of buildings in already built up areas, where it’s appropriate to do so, in order to reduce the level of development on brand new sites.

Building Dacorum’s future with homes for everyone | 17 What we propose

• Developing the new Local Plan, • Working with other South West To deliver safe, which will identify what we Hertfordshire authorities to affordable homes need to do to address housing develop a Joint Strategic Plan, to requirements by 2036. We plan to identify where cross-boundary for Dacorum send this out for consultation by growth can help our collective the spring of 2020, aiming to have communities, this will also residents, ensure it adopted by 2022. It will aim to allow us to secure funding for set out a range of deliverable sites the infrastructure we need to successful tenancies and homes to meet the needs of accommodate new housing. the Borough and will maximise and encourage the use of brownfield sites and • Working with St Albans and urban densities taking into account the Crown Estate to develop a efficient, effective the character and appearance of master plan for Hemel Garden our towns, it will include a policy Communities – delivering housing services, that sets out the importance around 11,000 new homes and we’re committing to: of delivering more genuinely 10,000 jobs. As part of this plan, affordable homes. we’ll make sure that the right management arrangements that • Using our planning powers to help engage the community are in place, achieve high quality regeneration to help new residents integrate in Hemel Hempstead Town Centre into the town, and that the new and the Two Waters area, building development is seen as, and feels on the masterplans we have part of Hemel Hempstead. already put in place. • Prepare an Infrastructure • Facilitating the delivery of high Delivery Plan that will identify quality new housing developments the schools, roads, transport and meeting all needs, that people other requirements needed to will be proud of living in. We will support the Borough’s continued develop the right planning policies growth. We’ll also maximise the to ensure this. opportunities provided by new technology to deliver effective and efficient transport systems.

18 • Ensuring that our staff skills • Preventing buildings used for To develop a master are updated and the necessary employment purposes from being plan for Hemel resources are available to deliver converted to housing under Garden Communities high-quality council services. And permitted development rules by – delivering around we’ll look to improve community having what is called an Article 4 engagement and interaction, with direction, which will stop this. It initiatives such as the Youth Forum will apply to Maylands, and other and the Tenant Academy. employment areas across the borough and will come into force in 000 • Delivering a major programme of early 2020. 11, new council housing and working with Housing Associations to • Drafting a new housing strategy maximise their contribution to that will meet the objectives set meeting the housing needs of the out above in 2020. This will help new homes and Borough. ensure we accelerate the supply of 10,000 jobs. homes across all tenures and types. • Working with the private sector to improve their offer to the market, • Requiring new homes to meet maintain a continuous supply excellent energy and resource of available rental homes whilst efficiency through the Local Plan. protecting the rights of tenants.

Building Dacorum’s future with homes for everyone | 19 Theme 2

Generating a vibrant economy with opportunities for all

20 Our vision A vibrant economy will also capture A growing, dynamic economy is good the economic mood and understand news for everyone in Dacorum – key drivers to encourage more not just businesses but workers and investment and build the Dacorum residents too. It allows us to make brand. And, of course, it will deliver % the most of our superb location and the volume and variety of jobs 1 transport links, and introduces varied we need. high-value jobs into the area. Steering the economy in the A solid base for business right direction Consistently low We’re fortunate that we already have By ensuring that we are creating the unemployment a strong economy. Unemployment right environment for our economy, remains very low – at the end we can help control how our of 2018 it was just 1% - and the borough grows and attract the right borough continues to attract high type of businesses. We’re working levels of investment. Dacorum is hard to develop strong links with proud to host a diverse range of the type of organisations we want businesses and employers. Some to bring to the area, like green- and of the world’s biggest companies clean-technology firms and those in operate in our borough, while at emerging growth sectors. the other end of the scale a thriving Maylands is an example of our small business sector is supported by vision in action, showing just what’s partner initiatives like the Enterprise possible with a clear and consistent Zone. Our vision is to maintain this strategy. Regional business centres diversity, while looking to the future like Maylands help us to attract to explore where we can grow the the right calibre of employer to the economy. Borough. This in turn encourages the development of valuable skills Driving progress and possibilities by working in partnership with local We want to make our economic educational facilities. This type of future a relentlessly positive one and self-sustaining, organic relationship is create opportunities for all. To do precisely the balance we’re trying to that, we need to grow our economy strike with our strategy. to fuel the development of new roads and transport infrastructure. We see a flourishing economy as vital to regenerating and improving our town centres – ensuring they’re attractive places to live, work, shop, and visit.

We want to make our economic future a relentlessly positive one and create opportunities for all.

Generating a vibrant economy with opportunities for all | 21 Something for everyone’s leisure At the same time, we want our parks Mail, Prologis, Amazon and Smiths time and open spaces to be even better, Industries to locate here. From urban pursuits to serious cleaner and more enjoyable places shopping, Dacorum has it all. to be. We’ll continue to put on the Supporting entrepreneurs across The XC extreme sports centre in same variety and quality of events Dacorum Hemel Hempstead has a 14-metre that we always have. We’re supporting the organisations climbing wall and skate park, plus that give businesses the resources an incredible 160-metre indoor More than anything else, we want and network they need to succeed. caving system, one of the largest in people to be excited by the variety The Hemel Hempstead Business Europe. We have the Snow Centre, and quality of activities in their Ambassadors group is a prime a great place to learn to ski and local area. example of this – featuring members snowboard – all on real snow, no from around 70 organisations, and matter what time of year. Everyone Incubating growing businesses now run as a standalone organisation Active, the Council’s sports and with the Hertfordshire Innovation managed by local business leaders leisure partner, offers affordable Quarter – working to promote the area to access to a wide range of activities Maylands Gateway was awarded other firms. We opened our highly at our sports centres. Our three main Enterprise Zone status, along with successful Maylands Business Centre town centres, Hemel Hempstead, the Building Research Establishment in 2013, extended it in 2017 and and , offer a wide and Rothamsted Research. Together delivered a further satellite centre at range of shops and places to meet, they make up the Hertfordshire Kylna Court in 2019. eat, drink and relax. Innovation Quarter. The Local Enterprise Partnership has also Shining a spotlight on success Benefits for both visitors and been actively working to promote The council’s Economic Development residents investment from enviro-tech team continue to deliver successful As Dacorum expands, the capacity businesses. programmes that support businesses of the attractions and destinations of all sizes. This includes training in the borough needs to grow too. Maximising the potential of the courses as well as the delivery of We’ve been working in partnership Maylands master plan both the Dacorum’s Den awards and with local businesses and tourism Adopted in 2007, the plan has Dacorum Business Heroes at no cost organisations like Visit Herts to continued to drive growth in the to the council – sponsored entirely capitalise on what we already have wake of the Buncefield explosion. by the business community. and build a path for the future. Three of the four corners in the Heart of Maylands have now Attracting more visitors means more brought forward regeneration revenue for local businesses; we projects, delivering housing, retail want to draw in both domestic and units and employment spaces. The international tourism by further area continues to attract significant improving the quality and variety of investment – over £250 million attractions available – this includes in the 2017–2018 financial year the retail and leisure facilities in – and in the past few years we Dacorum’s town centres. have attracted firms such as Royal

From urban pursuits to serious shopping, Dacorum has it all.

22 What we’ve achieved so far

Harnessing the potential of We have created Enjoy Dacorum, Making Jarman Square even Hemel’s evolution our brand for promoting tourism in more enjoyable Within Hemel Hempstead town the Borough. Built through the Enjoy Jarman Square is home to centre, the Council has completed Dacorum Partnership, this dedicated restaurants, a Cineworld cinema the Hemel Evolution programme Dacorum tourism website – with IMAX, a contract-free gym and – an urban-realm improvements www.enjoydacorum.co.uk – leisure centre. Dacorum Borough initiative made possible by securing showcases the very best of what Council has invested in Jarman £70 million in private investment. our Borough has to offer. Square’s Planet Ice too, helping it Hemel Hempstead has also secured a improve its facilities and offer even Business Improvement District (BID) Advancing Dacorum’s high streets better experiences. award, and will raise nearly £900,000 In 2016, Hemel Hempstead was over a five-year period led by the a runner-up in the British High Attracting sport and media events local business community working Street Awards – testament to Hemel Hempstead was once again with the Council. The BID will fund the regeneration work that is still the starting point for the last leg of events, marketing, provide the ongoing. We’ve also invested the Tour of Britain, one of the cycling presence of Ambassadors to assist £100,000 into the Tring Town Plan. world’s toughest races. Hemel has shoppers and to liaise with retailers, hosted the event twice since 2014, increasing social media presence and Ensuring our historic areas are and has hosted the women’s final. arrange for additional cleansing. It will maintained We’ve also seen an increase in filming be the voice of the Town Centre with History is important to the borough. in the Borough, including Hemel bodies like the Council, the Police and The word “Dacorum” itself has Hempstead’s Old Town, which brings transport operators. Also, the first ancient Roman origins, and every year additional revenue and prestige. phase of our Maylands urban realm tens of thousands of visitors come to improvement project was completed see our historic sites and museums. in 2016. That’s why we’ve been considering the potential of using The Bury in Investing in Dacorum as a place to Hemel Hempstead into a museum visit and enjoy and arts venue. We’ve also invested The value of tourism to the local in improvements to the Old Town economy is huge. In 2017, there Hall theatre in Hemel Hempstead, a were over 3.1 million day visits to building that dates back to 1852. Dacorum and a further 1.3 million nights spent here, representing a value to the local economy of nearly Secured private £270m per annum, supporting over investment of 4.500 jobs. We’ve been investing in tourism for four years, raising the profile of destinations across the borough. Since 2015, we have seen a 13% rise in day trips. For two of m those years we’ve been working with £70 Hertfordshire’s tourism hub, Visit Herts, to monitor the results of our efforts and drive more visitors to Dacorum’s destinations. Hemel Hempstead Evolution programme – an urban-realm improvements initiative

Generating a vibrant economy with opportunities for all | 23 The challenges we’re facing

Ensuring our investment pays back Targeted, sustainable growth Securing investment to deliver a We need to foster a strong and We need to ensure the economy is dynamic economy for the future vibrant economy to make sure that geared up to harness the potential Whilst occupancy of business space local people benefit from having a of growing business sectors. remains high, the economy doesn’t range of good employers and well Specifically, we want to make sure stand still. We need to create paid secure jobs. By securing private our borough is attractive to enviro- the right conditions for business investment this increases economic tech organisations, which can be investment in Dacorum building on activity and output and will have a achieved through the development our great locational and enterprising positive effect for the economy – of the Hertfordshire Innovation strengths, to ensure a high value local and national - and the wellbeing Quarter. economy can be maintained and of our residents. improved in the long term. Our vision Addressing the skills supply chain is of a Borough that is a welcome Availability of land to Our economy will only grow if we and attractive home to high value build businesses have the supply of skills to meet the businesses in the growth sectors of Land for offices, warehouses, type and number of jobs available. At the future. factories and business units is the same time, we need to find the essential if our economy is to right balance between jobs requiring Developing Dacorum as a great develop. Hertfordshire Innovation significant training and expertise, and tourism destination Quarter - the Enterprise Zone in those which are open to candidates A growing regional economy and an East Hemel Hempstead - offers with more basic, yet still essential expanding population provides the 55 hectares of land, offering new skills. great opportunity to promote and opportunities for investment. But we develop the Borough’s attractiveness need to identify whether more land Digital and physical connectivity for visits, days out and longer term is needed to ensure our competitive The transport network is the stays, not just to provide enjoyment position is maintained and the lifeblood of our economy, and for our residents and visitors, but economy can grow and flourish into reliable connections from our homes to reap the economic benefits of the future. to places of work are crucial. But this growing part of the economy. the way we work is changing, and We need the right approach to Protecting our town centres digital connectivity is giving rise to making space for leisure and tourism The way we shop and spend leisure more remote and home working. So, developments and securing them, time is changing. The impact of the need for connectivity extends to and the right level of promotion and internet shopping and, to a lesser the digital world too, where access support for businesses to bring out extent, out of town retail centres to reliable and fast fibre broadband all that is best in Dacorum as a place means that the town centres will connectivity is vital. Meanwhile, to visit and enjoy. need to change and include a the roll-out of 5G and fibre to the much wider variety of uses other premises will attract progressive than shopping, particularly leisure. employers to the area. We need to reinvigorate our town centres to adapt and prosper in the rapidly changing reality of modern retail. Whilst there will always be a focus on shopping we will work to make it more attractive for other uses such as leisure to add further attractions to the town centre experience.

24 What we propose

Nurturing our economy and helping it grow while the wider climate is unpredictable will be a challenge. But it’s one we can prepare for, with a considered, clear and consistent plan.

That’s why we’re committing to:

• Maintaining the promotion of developments that are able to • Building on Dacorum’s Dacorum as a prime location meet both the needs of the council entrepreneurial spirit, and the for inward investment, working and the Hertfordshire Innovation success of the Maylands Business with organisations like the Hemel Quarter. We will consider whether Centre, encourage the creation Hempstead Business Ambassadors further land is needed to meet the of business start-ups through our Network and the Herts Local challenges of the future. business development activities Enterprise Partnership to raise the and our planning requirements to Gross Value Added per head of the • Work with the Hertfordshire create the spaces for them to set area, keeping employment levels Innovation Quarter and partners up and flourish. high and unemployment low. to ensure further delivery of new developments that meet the needs • Address the role of our town • Create a supportive environment of investors and provide high- centre high streets in the borough; to help emerging sectors and quality employment opportunities. now and in the future. We’ll look to help businesses to locate Through this, we’ll also look to reimagine town centres – and develop new ventures. This to generate high-value inward helping them to facilitate more will connect with economic investment from target growth social interaction and provide development across South West sectors like enviro-tech. meeting places, sustain the leisure Hertfordshire through the Joint economy, deliver high quality Strategic Plan. • Seek funding from Government new housing and ensure diversity and work with agencies to improve among retailers with a healthy mix • Work with the Local Enterprise fibre and gigabit connectivity for of chains and independents. Partnership, Crown Estate businesses – crucial to the growth and other organisations to of Dacorum today and tomorrow. • We will support the development deliver a multi-modal transport of the tourism economy in interchange – connecting two or • Work with the Hertfordshire LEP, Dacorum through engagement more types of transportation for University of Hertfordshire and with tourism promotion agencies people – to serve connections West Herts College to ensure and businesses. to key destinations across Hemel we’re developing the skills we Hempstead and beyond, including need to supply emerging growth • We will progress plans to deliver a town centres, Maylands and the sectors and new employers new museum at The Bury in Hemel Hertfordshire Innovation Quarter, entering the borough. As use of Hempstead. This will preserve a and railway stations. artificial intelligence becomes more much-loved building and create a commonplace this is increasingly new cultural destination perfect for • Ensure a healthy supply of land for important. adults and children alike. businesses and employers across the Borough. We’ll look at the • Facilitating good, high value jobs possibilities for Council-owned based on the skills that will sustain land at Green Lane, Maylands and and develop new and emerging work towards bringing forward growth sectors.

Generating a vibrant economy with opportunities for all | 25 Theme 3

A happier, healthier and safer Dacorum

26 Our vision Securing a safer future We’re lucky to live in a country We want to continue our focus on with some of the best healthcare safety. And that means looking at and longest life expectancies in everything we do, from gritting roads the world – 83 for women and and creating safe spaces for children 79 for men. But when it comes to to play through to making sure CCTV healthcare and wellbeing, we can protects us without limiting civil always do better. Our vision for the liberties. We also want Dacorum to next 30 years is to improve every be an inclusive, caring borough that aspect of our residents’ health, seeks to prevent social isolation and safety and wellbeing. The Council homelessness. doesn’t control most of the services that have a direct impact on this In the decades to come, Dacorum but there are many areas where our Borough Council wants every actions can have a beneficial impact resident to have the opportunity to on health and wellbeing. be more active, to be healthier and to be even safer. Exercising our right to health and wellbeing We already know that our physical activity and diet have an overwhelming impact on our overall health. That’s why, together with our service provider Everyone Active, we want to offer accessible activities, gyms, and leisure opportunities across the borough – including ensuring that gym membership is affordable to the widest number of people. And we want to protect – not destroy – open spaces, which can be used for outdoor exercise. We will set the right policies in our new Local Plan to make it as easy as possible for people to exercise, walk and cycle.

Our vision for the next 30 years is to improve every aspect of Dacorum residents’ health and wellbeing

A happier, healthier and safer Dacorum | 27 What we’ve achieved so far

Exercise and obesity More places for children to play We’ve completed a Increasing the recycling rate We’ve also been encouraging lot of work over the Getting active across the borough more children to get active: new ‘Get set, go Dacorum’ was a play equipment has been added last 10 years. But £250,000 Sport England-funded to multiple parks and open spaces project to help more local people around the borough, while the new for us, it’s just the get fit and stay active across Gadebridge Splash Park and Water the borough. A total of 3,500 Gardens and Hemel Hempstead beginning. Here are participants have taken part in town centre play areas have just over 50 different activities so far. opened. We’ve also been staging a few of the biggest We’ve also overseen extensions to pop-up fitness activities for kids. sports facilities across the borough, achievements over including the new skate park and Everyone Active partnership a new outdoor gym at Gadebridge and the last decade. Park. Our new Physical Activity and Everyone Active have teamed up Sports Strategy has created the to provide great-value gyms at local framework for planning for high leisure centres. Residents can enjoy quality facilities for a wide range of contract-free memberships options sports and activities. and clean, friendly gyms.

More cycling across the borough Dacorum residents are proud to Cycle Hub is the not-for-profit live here community cycle centre based at 84% of Dacorum residents say they Grovehill/Woodhall Farm Adventure are proud to live in the area. What’s Playground. It’s making cycling more more, 71% think that Dacorum accessible for everyone, and with the Borough Council listens and acts on Tour of Britain pro cycling event now the concerns of local residents. regularly taking place in Dacorum, the borough is becoming a cycling hotspot.

28 Community and care services Public health A total of over £70,000 of The Council provides a range of Community Grants are awarded public health services through its to community groups annually. Environmental Health Service, which These have included ensures that restaurants and food % Community Benefit Society, outlets are operating safely, that 84 Sunnyside Community Playgroup, Health and Safety rules are followed Tring Yarn Bomb, Electric Umbrella by local employers, together with a and Wigginton Village Shop. range of environmental protection enforcement. of Dacorum residents Our contracted voluntary sector say they are proud to services – Reducing Social Isolation, The Private Housing Service ensures live in the area. Promoting Healthy relationships, the safety of tenants living in private Information Advice and Advocacy, rented accommodation, in particular, Living Stable Lives and Supporting Houses in Multiple Occupation, by the Voluntary Sector¬– have been making sure all essential facilities specifically designed to meet the are provided and are safe and that needs of the community. We have tenants are free from harassment. done this by focusing on things such as reducing social isolation among Together with the voluntary sector, older people, supporting residents we assist in supporting people with to develop and maintain healthy drug and alcohol problems. relationships, helping households overcome problems of difficult life The Council works with conditions and helping the voluntary Hertfordshire County Council, sector to develop and be sustainable. who have responsibility for the Public Health Service, on a range of Fighting crime initiatives that are largely focused on The Dacorum Community Safety healthy living, in particular improving Partnership demonstrates that diet and exercise. tackling crime, through working together and sharing information is more effective. This has been particularly the case on issues such as domestic abuse.

A happier, healthier and safer Dacorum | 29 The challenges we’re facing

Exercise and obesity Isolation and loneliness Working as one council in Physical activity levels are falling, This ageing population also increases partnership with organisations fuelling national concerns over instances of loneliness. Over 2 Dacorum Borough Council is a group obesity that is putting added million people in England over of services and teams, just like any pressure on the NHS. We need new the age of 75 live alone. Many other organisation. We strive to work sporting facilities, more attractive go without speaking to a friend, together seamlessly with our partner open space and more opportunities neighbour or family member for organisations such as the NHS and for children to play. Tackling obesity over a month. Sport England – but we can always in young people is particularly do more to improve. It’s vital that key important to ensure a healthy Rising crime rates services – like health provision and lifestyle is pursued throughout Reported incidences of knife crime, infrastructure providers – know what their lives. alcohol and drug-related crimes, anti- we’re doing, what we’ve got planned social behaviour offences and violent and how we can deliver more, by Building new homes crimes and sexual offences are working together. Housing developers want to build increasing across the country. More more houses, but we’re here to resources need to be provided for Pressure on public services encourage and require them to the police and fire services if these Public sector organisations, whilst include more open spaces for the and other challenges are to be met. faced with budgetary constraints benefit and wellbeing of current and and competing priorities, have future residents. These open spaces Digital exclusion the challenge of delivering must be accessible to all and properly As many as 90% of UK adults use better services whilst customer maintained. the internet, but we need to find a expectations continue to rise. This way to ensure the remaining 10% underlines the need for better and An ageing population aren’t excluded from the benefits of more effective partnership working There are more people over 65 than using online services and in some to co-ordinate resources and ensure ever before – and that number is cases being able to access services we are in a good place to secure increasing. In 2016, 18% of the UK at all. external funding where it is available. population was over 651. By 2046 it’s expected to be almost 25%. Social integration This means health provisioning Britain is proudly multicultural, and and care facilities need to expand that means we all need to work and increase their capacity. The together to ensure integration key to this is ensuring that there between communities. is an improvement to primary health care – a focus on prevention and provision of care to ensure conditions don’t deteriorate quickly – and we will work with the NHS, the Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group and GPs to deliver on this.

1Source: https://www.ageukmobility-news/article/how-old-is-the-uk

30 What we propose

• Improving our communication and • Creating an action plan from To enable our consultation with key stakeholders our Physical Activity and Sports 2050 vision – and and the voluntary sector to drive strategy that encourages the inclusivity. And we’ll enhance delivery of more sports facilities to offer Dacorum our information sharing, helping and opportunities for physical partners benefit from the statistics activities across the borough. residents even safer and insights we hold. • Working with Everyone Active to communities and • Actively work within the continue to provide high quality Community Safety Partnership sports and leisure facilities for our services – we’re to monitor crime statistics across residents and businesses. the Borough, develop strategies committing to: and actions to reduce crime and • Making clear requirements disorder and to ensure that all of developers to ensure new organisations involved work to a development is planned to provide, common purpose. and give good and easy access to sports, recreational and outdoor • Stimulating digital inclusivity – activities, and to local services. finding ways to help people get online to get access to services • Giving housing developers clear affordably and easily, whilst expectations of how they should providing face to face contact for build in health and wellbeing into those who need it. new communities and helping them understand who and when • We want Dacorum to be an age- they need to engage at the council. friendly place. We will work with our partner organisations to ensure • Working with NHS organisations the needs of the Borough’s ageing at all levels to further improve the population are addressed, ensuring provision of healthcare services inclusivity in the economy, across the Borough. engagement and participation in the community and good access to • Ensuring the right stakeholders services. are at the table when in discussion with Herts County Council. We’ll • Ensuring our Neighbourhood make sure Dacorum’s voice is Action Teams hold events in heard. newly developed areas to help with community integration. We’ll also make clear requirements of developers to ensure new development is planned to provide, and give, good and easy access to sports, recreational and outdoor activities, and to local services.

A happier, healthier and safer Dacorum | 31 Theme 4

Creating a clean, green and attractive Dacorum

32 Our vision And, in perhaps our most significant Protecting the environment for our decision, we will minimise as far as residents and future generations is possible the need for single-use one of the biggest concerns of our plastics. times – and rightly so. Councils play a crucial role in helping to reduce Happy residents who enjoy living plastic use, generate less waste and in their area are more likely to be live more sustainably. environmentally aware, which is why we’re focusing on developing A growing population means more quality green spaces for people to environmental challenges, but we’re spend their leisure time in. We’ll committed to tackling these head- maintain these spaces in a way that on. A clean, green environment in promotes biodiversity – for example, Dacorum is achievable, provided we by carrying out less frequent grass- retain a strong vision and implement cutting in certain areas and retaining an ambitious but realistic plan. natural play areas. We want to make sure these areas are usable for years More recycling, less waste to come, so we’ll implement clear We want to be innovative and management plans for their upkeep. forward-thinking in the way we approach waste collections, by using We’ll also look to reduce the reliance low or zero-emission refuse vehicles on cars in Dacorum, which will help and convenient, user-friendly to protect the environment for collection systems to facilitate more everyone and improve air quality re-use and recycling of waste. across the borough. You can read more about our commitment to We’ll look into providing more home transport improvement in the next composters and food digesters to chapter. prevent the need for the collection of waste in the first place. Where Ultimately, our vision is a sustainable waste is collected for recycling, it borough with a strong awareness will, where possible, be sent to local of its impact on the environment re-processers to avoid materials and one that recognises the vital being transported around the world. importance of a healthy future for This will promote the market for generations to come. sustainable products too.

Ultimately, our vision is a sustainable borough with a strong awareness of its impact on the environment.

Creating a clean, green and attractive Dacorum | 33 What we’ve achieved so far

Increasing the recycling rate Providing a new Splash Park in We’ve already In 2017/2018, Dacorum had an Hemel Hempstead made strides to impressive recycling rate of over Summer is perfect for enjoying 50%. However, we’re not complacent quality time with the family, and improve Dacorum’s – while it’s an encouraging start, we we’ve made that even more fun in want to improve this over the next the Borough with our new Splash environment 5–10 years. Park. As well as enjoying the water, kids and parents can take advantage through the Retaining our Green Flag awards of the skate park and play areas with The Green Flag Award Scheme climbing frames, slides, swings and following recognises well-managed parks balance beams. and green spaces, and we think initiatives: it’s a real source of pride for our Gaining Environmental borough. Dacorum holds five Green Management System accreditation Flag awards for our parks and open This accreditation provides spaces – we want to retain them, and reassurance that we take our look to win more in the future. environmental impact seriously – requiring us to measure and improve Managing our air quality key indicators. We want to make improvements to the environment in Dacorum Maintaining clean streets and continuously and air quality is an open spaces important issue. That’s why we Our Clean, Safe and Green service have an Air Quality Action Plan, features area based multi-functional recognising however that the Council teams which provides a balanced alone cannot solve all the problems. perspective on services ranging from We have assessed the air quality litter-picking to grass mowing. This in our borough and designated team works together to maintain three areas where we recognise outdoor spaces in the Borough and improvements need to be made. ensure a pleasant environment for every resident.

34 The challenges we’re facing

More homes means more waste Reducing single-use plastics We’re not management pressure Single-use plastics are a huge threat complacent about Projections from Hertfordshire to environments across the world County Council2 suggest that in and have become an increasingly the challenges we 20 years’ time the amount of waste prominent issue over the last we produce annually will be 200,000 couple of years. In Dacorum, we’re face in the future tonnes higher than today. As prioritising the reduction in use of property development increases in these plastics. to ensure Dacorum Dacorum, we’ll need to be innovative in the way we resource and approach Improving air quality remains a clean, waste collection to maintain a The quality of the air we breathe is pleasant environment in the borough central to our quality of life. Our Air green, safe and and ensure we are environmentally Quality Action Plan demonstrates our sustainable. commitment to reducing levels of sustainable place air pollution, and we need to ensure to live and work. Capacity of household waste sites we continue to set ambitious and We currently have 26 achievable air quality goals in the These include: neighbourhood recycling sites across future. the borough where residents can deposit their household waste for A focus on biodiversity recycling free of charge. However, Hertfordshire’s Biodiversity Action we will need to consider how Plan was among the earliest of its changing recycling needs and kind to be produced in the UK. population growth will impact on the It identifies habitats and species capacity of these sites and how we that are a priority for conservation maintain an excellent service in the action. This is an excellent start, future. but we need to keep reviewing this to support the biodiversity of our Sustaining the market for borough. recyclable materials Globally, only 15% of plastic waste Litter prevention is collected and recycled into A reduction in litter and fly tipping secondary plastics each year. For will make the borough a better us in Dacorum, a healthy demand place to live for everyone. One of for materials we recycle is essential our biggest challenges is enforcing to our strategy for environmentally prevention policies. friendly waste management.

2Source: Hertfordshire Waste Partnership’s Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy

Creating a clean, green and attractive Dacorum | 35 The challenges we’re facing

Considering other options for This will bring its course back to a The Bury more natural route, together with The Bury in Hemel Hempstead is a new footpaths and boardwalks to Grade II listed town house, but it is enable people to enjoy the river currently unused. Dacorum Borough environment better. The impact m Council and Dacorum Heritage Trust will mean cleaner water, a better £1 are working together on ways to environment for fish and other transform The Bury into a vibrant creatures and will ensure a more museum, situated in the gateway to natural plant growth. both the Old Town and our Green investment into Flag award-winning Gadebridge Park. Managing air quality Gadebridge Park’s Government and EU air quality new splash park Improving the conditions of the targets are designed to improve the river in Gadebridge Park air that we all breathe. And we need The addition of the new £1-million to work harder to cut emissions. In splash park in Gadebridge Park 2019 we set out a new Action Plan has made it an even more popular to help deliver better air quality. destination for families. To further As you’ll see in the chapter on develop the Park’s appeal, we will Transport, we’re aiming to reduce work with the Environment Agency the quantity of traffic in key areas – part of whose role is to ensure throughout the borough. the quality of our rivers – on its proposals to realign parts of the river Gade in Gadebridge Park.

36 What we propose

• Work to continue the increase in • Significantly reduce single-use We’re passionate the recycling rate and to minimise plastics in the work of the council. about creating the amount of household waste that arises. • Seek to incorporate the best a sustainable possible sustainability measures in • Aim to improve local household new construction, including energy Dacorum. To make waste sites alongside minimising efficiency in new buildings and the the amount of waste that arises. use of renewable technologies. our environment • Continue to maintain and enhance • Visitors deserve to breathe clean the best it can be our green open spaces, and air, just like residents. We will set consider ways how to do this, clear targets for reducing pollutants for current and whilst enhancing biodiversity and although it should be recognised, ensuring easy access. however, that we will be looking to future residents, national government and vehicle we will: • Introduce a range of initiatives to manufacturers to act to reduce the update our biodiversity action plan. harmful emissions from cars, buses and lorries. • Improve air quality in line with our Air Quality Action Plan whilst at the • Continue to work to increase same time lobbying government annual visitor numbers by to act on areas that the Council promoting the reputation of the has little or no control over such Borough as a place of culture, as emissions from vehicles and history and natural beauty – a encouragement for low pollution must-see tourist destination. transport.

• Effectively enforce litter and fly- tipping prevention measures.

Creating a clean, green and attractive Dacorum | 37 Theme 5

On-track for a better transport network

38 Our vision Although we are not the transport Dacorum has great transport links. authority, we are working together We sit adjacent to the motorway with Hertfordshire County Council network with direct access to the and public transport providers and M1, M25 and the A41. The west the Transport Systems Catapult, to 20 coast mainline railway serves five ensure trains, roads, buses and cycle minutes stations and offers fast access to routes are fit for purpose. Are bus London Euston – just 20 minutes services good enough to support from Hemel Hempstead - and those communities not served by to Birmingham New Street, and train stations? Do timetables make Hemel Hempstead now Crewe, to the north. These sense for the majority of people? to London Euston connections put international air How do we expand our road network services from Heathrow, Stansted while minimising our impact on and Luton within easy reach. the environment? These are all key questions that we, with our partner However, our networks are organisations, need to address. congested and getting around is not always easy. With substantial Road transport is essential to the household and population growth UK’s prosperity, but many urban daily trips on public transport and areas cannot sustain the present roads are set to rise significantly. growth in road traffic. More That’s why Dacorum Borough cars mean new roads, increased Council, working in partnership congestion, and costlier parking. with HCC, who are the Transport Authority, aim to create a long-term Everyone in the Dacorum area plan to ensure we’re supporting deserves easy access to shops, parks, the area’s growth and delivering an schools and their place of work. expanded and completely reimagined transport network – what we refer to Our vision is a sustainable, easily as ‘sustainable transport’. accessible transport network: one that makes it easy to pay for Sustainable transport is essential to travel with simple, integrated fares the Borough’s economic success. and smart ticketing and a system People need to get to work, that means public transport is the go shopping and explore every preferred option, reducing our opportunity on offer in Dacorum. reliance on cars. The transport network is the life- blood of the entire county.

On-track for a better transport network | 39 What we’ve achieved so far

Hemel Hempstead bus interchange Easier access to our stations In the last five As part of the Hemel Evolution We’ve engaged with Network Rail, years, Dacorum Regeneration programme we’ve the Train Operating Companies created a new bus interchange, and Hertfordshire County Council Borough Council offering improved access to the town on plans to improve the passenger centre. transport facilities at Hemel has been working Hempstead station in conjunction Hemel Hempstead Old Town traffic with regeneration plans for the area, hard to improve improvements lifting its quality and also providing Hemel Old Town has been given a new homes. Pedestrian access to transport across new lease of life with a high-quality Hemel Hempstead Station has regeneration project. The new one- been improved through upgraded the area. way system has greatly improved walkways to and from Heath Park traffic flow and reduced congestion. Encouraging pedestrian and cycle access is a crucial part of reducing The Marlowes and Water Gardens vehicle traffic around the station. regeneration New public information systems and The shift to more sustainable bus stop upgrades have improved transport pedestrian access to the town centre, The South West Herts Growth and while the Marlowes and Water Transport Plan has started identifying Gardens have been transformed. opportunities to move towards more This has attracted retailers, private sustainable transport. Reducing investment and housing. single occupancy car journeys is central to this plan. The new draft Maylands Growth Corridor Work A414 strategy looks at improving Extensive work around the Maylands connections between Hemel Growth Corridor, plus planned work Hempstead, Welwyn Garden City, to Junction 8 of the M1 motorway Hertford and Harlow and delivering and Breakspear Way will ease better public transport facilities. congestion and pave the way for new homes and jobs. Shared walking and cycling routes have been installed between Hemel Hempstead Station and the town centre.

40 The challenges we’re facing

Technology travels fast Joining the dots of the cycle Technological progress never slows, network especially in the field of transport. We’ve made good progress building Electric cars, driverless cars, and a mature network of cycling routes, electric bikes are either already here but they’re not joined seamlessly. or just around the corner. Future All routes should be safe and well- planning policy needs to support lit – and ideally not shared with cars these innovations and more: we need and other road traffic. to ensure that we build in as much flexibility to allow for technologies Old habits are hard to change that haven’t yet emerged. Reducing road congestion and changing the approach to parking Ensuring the right approach to means behaviours will need to car parking change. How do we encourage Planning policy allows developers residents to move away from car to develop housing with a lower ownership and towards public parking provision than what we have transport, walking and cycling? become accustomed to. Whilst the The honest answer here is that Council will have its own parking cultural change such as this takes standards they may be challenged by both time and the provision of developers as being too generous. credible alternatives where we will The rationale behind government press the government and private policy is that sustainable public providers. transport will allow these lower figures hence our work, together with Herts County Council who are responsible for public transport, to improve how it operates.

The position of the rail station Hemel Hempstead rail station is located just out of town, making it difficult for commuters to move between the station and their homes or places of work. However, we can’t change this. Our priority must be to make it easier for people to move between the station, the town and residential areas is essential to reduce local congestion.

On-track for a better transport network | 41 42 What we propose

We’re committed to tackling the transport challenges that Dacorum faces, with a carefully considered action plan to be delivered with key agencies. So, to build a better future for Dacorum, we will:

• Help to deliver the South West • Consider how new innovations • Ensure sustainable transport Herts Growth and Transport Plan in helping people to get about, measures are included in all – which sets out the key transport including the use of smart development on new greenfield projects for the area to support technology and demand- sites as part of our master growth - working with HCC and responsive transport, can be planning. seek to implement those projects encouraged. within the Council area. • Consider the solutions to providing • Work to investigate a cycle scheme a commuter-friendly fast link • Bring forward a sustainable similar to London’s ‘Boris Bikes’. between Maylands and Hemel transport strategy for the whole of We would also investigate how we Hempstead station thus increasing Hemel Hempstead in conjunction might be able to bring low-cost, the chances of attracting new with the Hemel Garden accessible electric bikes to key business. Communities and Hertfordshire sites, such as the rail stations and Innovation Quarter programmes Maylands. • Encouraging walking and cycling to improve movement across the through the development of safe, town and make it easier for people • Making improvements to access signposted and well lit quiet ways’ to walk, cycle and use public arrangements to the Water in new and existing developments. transport. Gardens car parks and making the area more friendly to pedestrians. • Encourage residents to move to • Through the Herts Innovation multi-occupant transport schemes Quarter and the Hemel Garden • Work has begun on a new multi- (car sharing, park and ride, buses) Communities programmes, work storey car park in Berkhamsted. making it a viable, safe and popular with our partners to deliver This will make it easier for people choice for everyone. major highway and transport to use the town centre and sustain improvements to Maylands and the local economy. • Develop a strategic level ‘green East Hemel Hempstead, and travel plan’ and agree targets for access to the M1 motorway using • Use Section 106 agreements drop-in car journeys. funds generated by the new (public benefits from developers developments. included as part of commercial planning approvals) and • With Hertfordshire County Community Infrastructure Levy Council and other partner councils (CIL) income to help fund and and agencies, we will help bring deploy sustainable transport forward transport improvments options. along the A414 corridor including proposals for a Mass Rapid Transit scheme to link Hemel Hempstead across the County, ultimately to Harlow and Gilston Garden Town.

On-track for a better transport network | 43 Theme 6

Harnessing the opportunity of technology and digital connectivity

44 Our vision The Internet of Things (IoT) – which Technology moves fast. It’s vital that enables everyday items to connect we embrace this progressive and to the internet and exchange data dynamic world if we’re to revitalise with other devices – means that how we work as a council, and many devices and systems will be deliver local services in a relevant networked in the near future. From way. Used effectively, technology our perspective, this is really exciting should make life easier for residents because IoT-enabled devices and and businesses across our borough. sensors give us endless possibilities for public service improvements – We must ensure that as a community from connected CCTV systems to we’re keeping up with technology smart traffic lights. and that everyone can access and use our digital services effectively. Tackling challenges with This is particularly important for an technology ageing population that hasn’t grown We will implement our own localised up with digital platforms, as it can plans as part of the Government’s feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ll 2017 Industrial Strategy. Technology continue to put people at the heart is key to addressing four of the most of how we design and deliver public pressing challenges in this strategy: services – especially when they’re Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data; an being delivered through digital ageing society; clean growth; and the channels. future of mobility.

It will be important to ensure that Our vision for how we harness Dacorum as a whole doesn’t get left technology sees us introducing behind when new technologies are digital services that will transform the being rolled out – this is vital for way that the council works and the businesses and residents alike. way people live for the better. And we will be working to ensure these Creating a connection advantages are available to residents It’s important that we create policy and businesses. Technology has the changes to support the roll out potential to increase productivity, of ultra-fast fibre broadband and drive economic growth, create jobs, 5G (as well as faster future mobile connect individuals and improve bandwidths). This is vital as the how services are provided. And adoption of new technology trends we want to make the most of that will hinge on connectivity. potential for the benefit of everyone in Dacorum.

We will continue to put people at the heart of how we design and deliver public services – especially when they’re being delivered through digital channels.

Harnessing the opportunity of technology and digital connectivity | 45 What we’ve achieved so far

Modernising council working Improved council communications Over the past practices By increasing our use of digital five years the Flexible and remote working was media, we have been able to introduced, which we found not only communicate more effectively Council has already maximises desk space within our with the community and share offices, but makes our workforce far information more frequently. We implemented a more resilient. And, as part of this have designed and now operate the process, staff were provided with MyDacorum portal so our residents number of changes. better mobile tablets and laptops for can access a range of Council more effective remote working. services under one easy to use account. Becoming more efficient We’ve also reduced the amount of Created the Hertfordshire physical document storage in our Innovation Quarter Enterprise Zone building. We’ve reduced the use of Working with St Albans and Herts paper dramatically and continue to County Council the Enterprise Zone take steps to minimise its use. encompasses Rothamsted Research, the Building Research Establishment Remote access to council services and an area of over 200 acres We delivered a series of projects to in Maylands and East of Hemel improve remote access to council Hempstead. It will focus on attracting services. These include providing and retaining a wide range of hi-tech small businesses with virtual employers from the Enviro-Tech assistants and installing better industry and create up to 8000 new telecare systems for residents in jobs. The Hertfordshire Innovation assisted living housing. Our new Quarter plans to offer the latest full My Dacorum facility is helping our fibre and 5G connectivity. customers access a wide range of services online.

46 The challenges we’re facing

Keeping up with technology Network coverage Hertfordshire’s Enterprise Zone Technology is moving at a rapid pace We’re aiming to reach the point plans to create up to and that makes future planning a where ultra-fast fibre connectivity challenge. We need to be ready for and 5G is universally accessible technologies that haven’t even fully across the Borough. Currently, rural emerged yet. We have to make sure coverage can be patchy in some we can maximise the opportunities areas across the Borough. 000 that technology will bring, now and in the future. Accessing and acting on data 8, The Internet of Things allows us The right skills and knowledge to access useful data and run our Our working practices need to services more efficiently. We need to be futureproofed. Council staff explore how we can begin to collect new jobs must have the right skills and and use this data to benefit residents knowledge to make the most of and businesses. new opportunities with technology. We also need to be working with employers and training providers to ensure these skills are available in the community.

Harnessing the opportunity of technology and digital connectivity | 47 48 What we propose

We need to address the challenges that we face as technology develops, and also to make the most of the opportunities technology brings. We will:

• Seek to ensure the best coverage • Ensure sufficient skills and • Through active participation with of full fibre and 5G connectivity, knowledge of technology is the Hertfordshire Innovation and enhance the Borough’s appeal developed within the Council with Quarter, ensure the delivery of the and offer to inward investors. particular regard to meeting the major transport improvements to service requirements of a growing Junction 8 of the M1 and the road • Encourage the installation of the population, and making access to network through Maylands. technology infrastructure required services easier. for full digital connectivity so • Ensure that the branding and communities, the economy and • Create policy through the Local marketing of the Hertfordshire the environment can see the Plan to ensure the rollout of super- Innovation Quarter is effective benefits. Where possible, we will fast fibre broadband connectivity in attracting a wide range of use our assets to help site key and 5G (and future generations) is employers with a particular focus infrastructure needed to provide achieved in conjunction with new on the high tech environmental full fibre connectivity. developments. sector and to deliver 8,000 new jobs by 2050. • We will maximise the use of digital • Support local businesses to make connectivity in the town centre. use of the help available through the Government’s Industrial Strategy to access new technology. Make sure that businesses are able to access the highest-speed broadband available. This will be an ongoing task for us.

Harnessing the opportunity of technology and digital connectivity | 49 50 Building for tomorrow Kylna Court, Hemel Hempstead

51 If you would like more information please contact us on:

Email [email protected]

Website www.dacorum.gov.uk

Phone 01442 228000 - ask for Strategic Planning & Regeneration