The Council has prepared or commissioned technical studies to provide information for the forthcoming Local Development Framework, which will ultimately replace the adopted Local Plan.

The studies are available to download below free of charge.

Full copies of all the studies can be viewed at the Council offices:

Hemel Hempstead Civic Centre
Marlowes
Hemel Hempstead

Berkhamsted Civic Centre
High Street
Berkhamsted

Tring Victoria Hall
Akeman Street
Tring

You can purchase printed copies of each study, the charges are detailed below.

Please contact: Laura Badham, Technical Officer at Spatial Planning

Address:
Dacorum Borough Council
Spatial Planning
Civic Centre
Marlowes
Hemel Hempstead
Hertfordshire
HP1 1HH

Email: spatial.planning@dacorum.gov.uk
Telephone: 01442 228660

Available Studies

A Guide to the Evidence Base

July 2009

This guide offers a summary of the relevant conclusions from each technical study according to topic and locations.

Printed Copies

  • A Guide to the Evidence Base - £10 + £1 Postage and Packaging

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Dacorum Sport and Recreation Study - Indoor Facilities

March 2006

The Indoor Recreation Facilities Study assesses public, private and voluntary provision across the Borough, including sports centres, health clubs and sports uses of community centres and village halls. Recommendations are included in the Strategy and Action Plan.

Printed Copies

  • Assessment Report - £15 + £1 Post and Packaging
  • Strategy and Action Plan - £5

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Dacorum Sport and Recreation Study - Outdoor Facilities

October 2006

The Outdoor Recreation Facilities Study assesses the provision of pitches, courts and greens, identifies clubs and teams and assesses the need for additional provision. Local standards are set for sub-areas of the Borough, in accordance with Sport England's Electronic Toolkit and a Strategy Action Plan is developed.

Printed Copies

  • Outdoor Recreation Facilities Study - £20 + £1 Post and Packaging

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Employment Study

January 2005

The Employment Study was completed in January 2005 and was undertaken with Watford and Three Rivers District Councils. The Employment Study looks at how much land needs to be safeguarded for employment uses for the period to 2021 and whether there is any potential for any releases for other uses.

Printed Copies

  • The Employment Study - £40 + £2.50 Post and Packaging

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Feasibility Study - Land off High Street and Water Lane, Berkhamsted

August 2006

This study  considers the feasibility of implementing Proposal S1 in the Dacorum Borough Local Plan 1991-2011 for the development of a new supermarket-led redevelopment proposal together with other supporting uses and car parking. The site is located on land off High Street and Water Lane in Berkhamsted town centre.

Printed Copies

  • Feasibility Study - Land off High Street and Water Lane, Berkhamsted - £15 + £1 Post and Packaging
  • Appendices - £45 + £10 Post and Packaging

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Gypsies and Travellers Study - Accommodation Needs (Stage 1)

April 2005

An assessment of the Accommodation Needs of Gypsies and Travellers in South and West Hertfordshire was completed in April 2005. The study was jointly undertaken with neighbouring local authorities and Hertfordshire County Council. Following this, the authorities commissioned a second study to look at the "Identification of Potential Gypsy and Traveller Sites" to assist discussion on how their needs could be met. This study was published in April 2005.

Printed Copies

  • Gypsies and Travellers Study - Accommodation Needs: Stage 1 - £30 + £2.20 Post and Packaging

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Gypsies and Travellers Study - Identification of Potential Sites (Stage 2)

Report by Scott Wilson, March 2007

Dacorum Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council commissioned a study to look at the "Identification of Potential Gypsy and Traveller Sites" to assist discussion on how their needs could be met. This study was published in March 2007.

Appendix 1:

Appendix 2:

Appendix 3: Recommended Sites in Dacorum overlayed on the Local Plan Maps

Printed Copies

  • Gypsies and Travellers - Identification of Potential Sites: Stage 2 - £50 + £5 Post and Packaging

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Housing Market Background Paper

July 2006

This background study provides an overview of the housing market. It includes information on house prices and sales, rents, income and general demand.

The documents will be used as technical information to inform the preparation of the new Local Development Framework. It should be noted however, that these documents will be combined with the findings from other technical work that is being undertaken.

The combined data will be used to develop a strategy on which consultation will be undertaken once the evidence base is completed and there are some ideas to discuss. It is therefore important to understand that these documents represent a viewpoint that looks at the individual issue in isolation from the other technical work.

For example, the Urban Capacity Study does not consider the need for land for other uses such as social or education. It may be therefore, that the council may take a position that differs from the recommendations set out within the technical reports.

Printed Copies

  • Housing Market Background Paper - £5

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Open Space Study

March 2008

The Open Space Study covers the quantity and quality of open space across the Borough and identifies areas of deficiency.

Open Space Maps:

Printed Copies

  • Open Space Study - £20 + Post and Packaging

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Retail and Leisure Study

January 2006

The Retail and Leisure Study was completed in January 2006. The document undertakes a health check of the three town centres and looks at the potential for new retail and leisure development in the Borough over the period to 2021. It also makes recommendations as to how this additional floorspace can be accommodated.

Appendices:

Printed Copies

Retail and Leisure Study  - £60 + £8 Post and Packaging

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Social and Community Facilities

January 2006

The Social and Community Facilities Study examines the current provision of community facilities across the Borough of Dacorum, such as education, health, childcare, elderly care, religious and cultural activities, and seeks to address any issues of need arising from their current use. It also looks at community facilities over a wider timeframe to 2021 and the likely requirements for additional facilities within the Borough.

Printed Copies

  • Social and Community Facilities Study - £20 + £2 Post and Packaging

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Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

August 2007

The purpose of the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) study is to assess and map all forms of flood risk from groundwater, surface water, sewer and river sources, taking into account future climate change predictions, and use this as an evidence base to locate future development primarily in low flood risk areas.

The outputs from the SFRA will help the four Council’s (Dacorum Borough Council, ) to prepare sustainable policies for the long-term management of flood risk and improve existing emergency planning procedures.

SFRA Report - Volume 1:

SFRA Maps - Volume 2:

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Transport Study

August 2006

The Transport Background Study covers the policy context for transport, and provides statistics on different modes, summarises progress and identifies relevant schemes. In addition, significant additional work is required in relation to the centre of Hemel Hempstead and the industrial area. Consultants will be appointed for these tasks.

Printed Copies

  • Transport Study - £20 + £2 Post and Packaging

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Urban Capacity Study

January 2005

The Urban Capacity Study (UCS) and the Employment Study (ES) were both completed in January 2005 and were joint studies undertaken with Watford and Three Rivers Councils.

The UCS examines the potential in Dacorum for further residential development within the existing urban areas. Different types of potential development were considered including for example, using vacant land, reviewing existing housing allocations in the Local plan and living over shops.

The ES looks at how much land needs to be safeguarded for employment uses over the period to 2021 and whether there is any potential for any releases for other uses.

Printed Copies

  • Urban Capacity Study - £60 + £8 Post and Packaging

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Urban Design Assessment

January 2006

The Urban Design Assessment was completed in January 2006. The study covers the Borough's three towns (Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted and Tring) and three large villages (Markyate, Bovingdon and Kings Langley).

A strategy plan and set of settlement principles are provided for each of the towns and villages. These define the broad "Urban Design Zones" into which the settlements have been sub-divided. These Urban Design Zones have been created on the basis of existing characteristics, reflecting the morphology, density and typologies of each area, and an understanding of how these areas should be viewed in the light of any potential development or regeneration of the zone.

Key 'gaps' in the coverage of existing Local Plan policies and supplementary guidance are highlighted and suggestions made as to how these could be addressed through the new Local Development Framework.

Printed Copies

Urban Design Assessment:

  • All Reports (not inc. Executive Summary or Photo Logs) - £190 + £12 Post and Packaging
  • Executive Summary - £5 + £1 Post and Packaging
  • Borough Wide Report - £10 + £1 Post and Packaging
  • Hemel Hempstead Report - £30 + £5 Post and Packaging
  • Berkhamsted Report - £30 + £5 Post and Packaging
  • Tring Report - £30 + £5 Post and Packaging
  • Bovingdon Report - £30 + £5 Post and Packaging
  • Markyate Report - £30 + £5 Post and Packaging
  • Kings Langley Report - £30 + £5 Post and Packaging
  • Town Photo Log - £30 + £5 Post and Packaging
  • Village Photo Log - £30 + £5 Post and Packaging

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Urban Nature Conservation Study

March 2006

The Urban Nature Conservation Study identifies the wildlife resources and habitats accessible to (and within) the six main settlements of the Borough. It reviews existing policies and applies the standards of nature reserve provision recommended by English Nature.

The study puts forward a strategy for the protection and enhancement of key wildlife areas and a network of spaces and natural (or semi-natural) corridors for each town and large village. 

Printed Copies

Urban Nature Conservation Study:

  • Main Report only - £50 + £2 Post and Packaging
  • All Maps - £120 + £5 Post and Packaging
  • Hemel Hempstead Maps only - £40 + £1 Post and Packaging
  • Berkhamsted Maps only - £25 + £1 Post and Packaging
  • Tring Maps only - £25 + £1 Post and Packaging
  • Bovingdon Maps only - £10 + £1 Post and Packaging
  • Kings Langley Maps only - £10 + £1 Post and Packaging
  • Markyate Maps only - £10 + £1 Post and Packaging

A 50-Year vision for the wildlife and natural habitats of Hertfordshire.

The original plan, published in 1998 has been reviewed. It was relaunched at the annual meeting of the Hertfordshire Environmental Forum on 23rd March 2006. The Biodiversity Action Plan sets out habitat restoration aspirations and programmes and species action plans.

The Biodiversity Action Plan will be taken forward in management programmes of various organisations, including local authorities, the Countryside Management Service, the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust and the Chilterns Conservation Board.

The Hertfordshire Biodiversity Action Plan supports much of the background technical work for the Urban Nature Conservation Study (March 2006).

The link below takes you to the Hertfordshire Environmental Forum website, where you can view the document, "A Local Biodiversity Action Plan".

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A Study to Inform Appropriate Assessment (Screening Report) - Core Strategy Issues & Options Paper

April 2008

The Core Strategy Issues and Options Development Plan Documents (DPDs) for Dacorum Borough Council have been analysed as part of an Appropriate Assessment (AA) screening process. Screening is required where a plan, alone or ‘in combination’ with other plans, could affect Natura 2000 sites.

The first phase of this screening involved an analysis of Dacorum’s Issues and Options to ascertain any likely significant effects that may compromise the conservation objectives of nearby Natura 2000 sites. The next phase involved examining all other plans, programmes and projects that may affect the Chilterns Beechwoods SAC in conjunction with Dacorum Issues and Options.

Printed Copies

Appropriate Assessment:

  • Appropriate Assessment Report - £20 + £1 Postage and Packaging

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Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) - Level 2

June 2008

The SFRA – Level 2 refines and builds upon the work undertaken during the Level 1 SFRA. This study comprises detailed hydraulic modelling of the River Gade at Hemel Hempstead and breach modelling of the Grand Union Canal at Berkhamsted. The Level 2 SFRA should be retained as a ‘living’ document and reviewed and revised where required in light of emerging policy guidance on ‘other sources of flooding’.

Appendices

Printed Copies

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment - Level 2:

  • Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Level 2 - £20 + £1 Postage and Packaging

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Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA)

October 2008

This study was commissioned jointly by Dacorum Borough Council, Three Rivers District Council and Watford Borough Council, to estimate the available housing potential across the three Council areas.

 

Non-Technical Summary.

Volume 1.

Volume 2 - Part 1: Design Case Studies.

Volume 2 - Part 2: 3-D Design Exercises.

Volume 3: Site Schedules.

Volume 4: Mapping.

Printed Copies of the SHLAA:

  • Strategic Housing Land Availability Assement - £50 + £5 Postage and Packaging

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Retail Study - Update March 2009

March 2009

Since the 2006 report was completed, Riverside Centre in Hemel Hempstead Town Centre has opened; and the Waitrose store in Berkhamsted Town Centre has been extended. In Tring Town Centre, the former Budgens store is now occupied by Marks & Spencer as a 'Simply Food' store. In addition, new population growth trajectories for Hemel Hempstead are emerging from the work on the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS); and expenditure growth, and growth of expenditure via on-line shopping, are now somewhat different from what was envisaged at the time of the 2006 report.

This Update report covers only retail development, and we have not been instructed to update the commercial leisure parts of the 2006 report, which still stand. We have also not been instructed to update the assessments of the vitality and viability of Berkhamsted and Tring town centres, so the assessments for these two centres remain as in the 2006 report.

Printed Copies of the Retail Study:

  • Retail Study -
    £5.00 plus £1 Postage and Packaging 

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London Arc Employment Space Study

March 2009

Strategic update of the South West Hertfordshire Employment Space Study, to take account of implications of the East of England Plan (May 2008).

Printed Copies of the Retail Study:

  • London Arc Employment Space Study -
    Executive Summary: £3 plus £0.50p Postage and Packaging.
    Main Report & Appendices: £15 plus £2 Postage and Packaging.

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Housing Land Availability Paper

April 2009

This Housing Land Availability Paper supports technical work on the Council’s Core Strategy Development Plan Document (DPD). It will form part of the evidence base to the Core Strategy and will help guide decisions on potential housing sites through the preferred approach to the Site Allocations DPD.

Printed Copies of the Housing Land Availability Paper:

  • Housing Land Availability Paper -
    £5 plus £1 Postage and Packaging.

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Population: Background Note for the Core Strategy

April 2009

This background paper forms part of the preparation for our Emerging Core Strategies paper. We have considered how the population will grow over the next 22 years and how this projection helps us to determine the optimal level of housing provision for each settlement from 2006-2031.

Printed Copies of the Population Background Note:

  • Population Background Note -
    £1 including Postage and Packaging..

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Town Stadium Feasibility Study - Phase I

June 2009

The report will looks at the feasibility of a town stadium complex in or around Hemel Hempstead. The report assess the size and type of facility which could be supported, where this might go and when it would be built.

Printed Copies of the Town Stadium Feasibility Study - Phase I:

  • Town Stadium Feasibility Study Phase I -
    £20 + £1 Postage and Packaging

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Hertfordshire Infrastructure Investment Strategy (HIIS)

October 2009

This is a county-wide study which provides a better understanding of the infrastructure needs associated with growth. It includes a long term funding model for Hertfordshire and offers advice to councils and public service agencies both on likely future demands and funding opportunities. It covers issues relating to planning obligations, tariffs and a prospective Community Infrastrucutre levy.

Final Technical Report
Transport Technical Report
Summary Report

Printed Copies of the Hertfordshire Infrastructure Investment Strategy (HIIS):

  • Hertfordshire Infrastructure Investment Strategy - Final Technical Report
    £10 + £1 Postage and Packaging 
  • Hertfordshire Infrastructure Investment Strategy - Transport Technical Report
    £10 + £1 Postage and Packaging
  • Hertfordshire Infrastructure Investment Strategy - Summary Report
    £5 + 50p Postage and Packaging

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Affordable Housing and Section 106 Viability Study

November 2009

Provides advice on the viability of affordable housing provision for different locations, types and sizes, to enable clear asssessments to be made on the financial impact of different levels of provision and tenure split. The study is accompanied by the 'Three Dragons Toolkit', a development economics modelling package. Jointly commissioned with Watford and Three Rivers Councils.

Printed Copies of the Affordable Housing and Section 106 Viability Study:

  • Affordable Housing and Section 106 Viability Study -
    £ 20 + £1 Postage and Packaging

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Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA)

April 2010

Examines the issue of need across the Hertfordshire housing market area. The sutdy will help inform LDF policies relating to affordable housing targets and tenure splits. Jointly commissioned by the planning and housing departments of all Hertfordshire districts.

Printed Copies of the Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA):

  • Strategic Housing Market Assessment -
    £30 + £1 Postage and Packaging.
  • On CD: £10 + £1 Postage and Packaging

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South West Hertfordshire Employment Land Update - Final Report.

June 2010

The purpose of this study is to advise on employment land policies that should be included in the Council's emerging development plans.

This study complements the sub-regional London Arc Job Growth and Employment Land Study 2009 and updates the Employment Space Study of 2005.

Printed Copies of the South West Hertfordshire Employment Land Update:

  • South West Hertfordshire Employment Land Update -
    £10 + £1 Postage and Packaging.
  • On CD: £10 + £1 Postage and Packaging

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Town Stadium Feasibility Study - Phase 2

June 2010

Phase 2 of this study looks in detail at the feasibility and deliverability of a potential Town Stadium Complex for Hemel Hempstead.

Printed Copies of the Town Stadium Feasibility Study - Phase 2

  • Town Stadium Feasibility Study - Phase 2 -
    £10 + £1 Postage and Packaging .
  • On CD: £10 + £1 Postage and Packaging

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Water Cycle Study - Scoping Study

April 2010

Considers issues relating to water resources, supply and sewerage, wastewater treatment, flood risk, water quality and the wider water environment that should be taken into account when preparing Local Development Frameworks. 

Jointly commissioned by Dacorum, St Albans, Three Rivers, Watford and Welwyn Hatfield Councils.

Printed Copies of the Water Cycle Study - Scoping Study

  • Water Cycle Study - Scoping Study
    £10 + £1 Postage and Packaging .
  • On CD: £10 + £1 Postage and Packaging

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Hertfordshire Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Technical Study

July 2010

Considers how local authorities in Hertfordshire can support the reduction in CO2 emissions from residential and non-residential buildings through planning policies and encourage the take-up of renewable and low carbon technologies. 

Jointly commissioned by the County Council and all Borough and District Councils within the county, excluding Stevenage.

Maps

 

Printed Copies of the Hertfordshire Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Technical Study

  • Hertfordshire Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Technical Study - only available on CD.
    £On CD: £10 + £1 Postage and Packaging

 

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