Residents in Colney Heath will now have the opportunity to have a greater say in the kind of development they want for their village.

Following a request from the parish council, a Neighbourhood Plan will be put in place, to establish guidance on what development is appropriate in the village according to local need and where it should be built.

This is the second Neighbourhood Plan that has been developed in the district, following St Albans District Council’s cabinet decision last night.

Under the Localism Act 2011, town and parish councils have the power to draw up Neighbourhood Plans to establish general planning policies for development and land uses.

It can also identify suitable locations for housing development and specify an increase in housing numbers if desired.