Councillors will consider whether to designate Colney Heath as a Neighbourhood Plan Area when its cabinet meets.

The request has been made by Colney Heath Parish Council which wants to produce a Neighbourhood Plan for the area.

Neighbourhood Plans give local people a greater say in the kind of development they want for their community. They provide guidance on what development is appropriate for local need and where it should go.

The plans can include where transport infrastructure, community facilities and businesses are located and cover issues such as the protection of local heritage. However, the Government has stated that Neighbourhood Plans should not promote less development than set out in the District’s Local Plan.

Under the Localism Act 2011, town and parish councils have the power to draw up Neighbourhood Plans establishing general planning policies for development and land use. However, they must apply to the council for designation of the Neighbourhood Plan Area before producing their plan.

Leader of St Albans City and District Council Julian Daly, said: "This is the second request the council has received from a parish council wanting to produce a Neighbourhood Plan.

"Cabinet has already given the green light for a Neighbourhood Plan to be produced for Redbourn. These plans provide the local community with the opportunity to say where they think potential development is acceptable in their area.

"However, decisions on planning applications still remain with the District Council in its capacity as the local planning authority."

The meeting will be held at the District Council’s offices at the Civic Centre, St Peter’s Street, St Albans, at 7pm on Thursday, February 27.