Hertford Town Council is pleased to support the continued progress of the Castle Plus Neighbourhood Plan, a community-led initiative that gives local people a voice in shaping future development across the southern part of Hertford.
Castle Plus covers the southern part of Hertford, including the town centre, part of Mead Lane and Hertford East Station. It also extends out to Hertingfordbury village, Foxholes Farm, Balls Park, Mandeville Road, Horns Mill, Sele Road and the County Hospital area. Once adopted, the Plan will become a legal planning document, guiding future decisions about development and land use in the area.
The Castle Plus Neighbourhood Plan is being prepared by a Community Steering Group of 12 local residents, supported by smaller sub-groups focused on key themes: Heritage & Culture, Green Spaces & Nature, Living & Movement and Businesses & Employment. Together, they are gathering evidence and speaking with the community to create a Plan that reflects local values and priorities.
Your Community. Your Voice. Your Vision.
Community Involvement Encouraged
A key part of the Plan’s success will be hearing from a wide range of residents and businesses. Members of the Community Steering Group have and will be attending events, exhibitions and pop-ups across Hertford to raise awareness and invite input. Most recently, they hosted an engagement stand at the World Food Festival at Hertford Castle on 6th July.*
Chair of the Castle Plus Community Steering Group, Milena Nuti, said:
“The Community Steering Group is working hard to create a meaningful plan that reflects the real needs of this community. The plan helps to protect what people care about in Hertford and ensure that development delivers benefits for the town. We’re looking forward to hearing from more residents over the summer as we shape the next phase of the project.”
How Local People can get involved
Residents can contribute by joining the mailing list, attending engagement events or volunteering with one of the themed sub-groups. The team welcomes a range of skills, including research, writing, photography, design, data analysis, event support and community outreach. Simply knowing the local area well is an extremely valuable asset.
Find out about the Castle Plus Neighbourhood Plan .
Councillor Maura Connolly, Chair of the Castle Plus Members Working Party,added:
“Hertford Town Council is pleased to support the Castle Plus Neighbourhood Plan as it moves into its next phase. The aim is to ensure the final Plan genuinely reflects the priorities and character of this unique part of Hertford. With the Community Steering Group now in place and events underway, this is a valuable opportunity for residents to shape the future of their neighbourhood through public input and participation.”
The Community Steering Group is currently chaired by two local residents who bring valuable experience and community insight to the project:
Milena Nuti – Chair, Community Steering Group, Castle Plus Neighbourhood Plan: Milena lives in Hertford with her family and brings a range of experience about local community and planning to the role of Chair of the Castle Plus Neighbourhood Plan. She is Vice Chair of Hertford Civic Society and a longstanding School Governor; until recently Chair of Governors of Morgan's School. Formerly an elected councillor in Bloomsbury and Chair of the Development Control Committee at the London Borough of Camden, Milena understands both the planning framework and the critical role of public engagement in determining successful outcomes.
Paul Williams – Deputy Chair, Community Steering Group, Castle Plus NeighbourhoodPlan: Paul is a lifelong Hertford resident (nearly 60 years). He previously worked in the insurance industry and as a cricket coach but has recently retired. Paul has been a member of Hertford Cricket Club for over 40 years and is interested in all types of sport. Paul has previously served on the Town Council. He is a keen photographer, as well as an amateur local historian and a volunteer ‘Friend of Hertford Castle’.
Notes:
*The engagement session was held at the ‘Hertford Castle Beer and World Food Festival’ on the afternoon of 6th July 2025, in the Mayor’s Parlour at Hertford Castle. Previous sessions include a presence at EcoFest in May 2025. The first community meeting for the Plan was held in November 2024.
News on the Castle Plus Neighbourhood Plan is shared at www.hertford.gov.uk/castle-plus-neighbourhood-area-plan
For general information about existing Neighbourhood Plans please see www.hertford.gov.uk/neighbourhood-plans