Neighbourhood plans and concerns about Green Belt development were key topics for the biannual Parish Conference held in Chiswell Green on Monday.

Town and parish councillors from across St Albans District met with representatives of St Albans City and District Council and Hertfordshire County Council. They shared their priorities, which include the need for more affordable housing, the impact of London Luton Airport and increased recycling.

Leader of St Albans City and District Council Julian Daly outlined the council’s key priorities following last week’s agreement of the Council’s Corporate Plan and budget. He also updated delegates on how the recent recycling changes are working.

Hertfordshire County Council was represented by councillor Teresa Heritage, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Localism, Gillian Cawley, Assistant Director, Commissioner for Education Services and Pauline Davis, Head of School Planning.

Councillor Heritage’s focus was the Hertfordshire Local Action Plan and the county council’s community initiatives for the coming months.

There were workshops on school place forecasting, budgeting for the future and changes in planning policy.

Councillor Vivienne Windle, Redbourn Parish Councillor and conference chair, said: "This conference is a great opportunity for all three levels of local government to meet each other and discuss our priorities and issues. It is extremely helpful to share information on what is important to our local communities."

Councillor Beric Read, St Albans Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Engagement and Localism, said: "The Parish Conference provides a forum for joining up different parts of local government so that we can share information on key local priorities.

"As well as the more formal presentations, we are able to discuss challenges and solutions in our informal discussions."