The Borough of Broxbourne is located in Hertfordshire, to the north of London. Broxbourne comprises a number of settlements including Cheshunt, Turnford, Broxbourne and Hoddesdon. The Lee Valley Regional Park lies adjacent to the Borough’s eastern border, whilst Wormley Hoddesdonpark Woods lies adjacent to its western border. These areas are designated for the ecologically important species and habitats that they support. A significant majority of the Borough is located within the Metropolitan Green Belt.

Broxbourne Borough Council have prepared their Borough Local Plan (BLP) which seeks to plan for future development between 2018 and 2033. It sets out policies that will guide the development of homes, business, leisure, transport and infrastructure, protect green spaces, the natural environment, landscapes and cultural heritage assets. The BLP aims to address the needs of all residents and communities across the Borough. 

Lepus was commissioned to undertake a Sustainability Appraisal (SA) of the BLP. We worked closely with the Council throughout the plan-making process to assesses a number of Borough-wide options and scenarios for development against a bespoke SA Framework. This work also included assessment of site allocations, site-based policies and development management policies. The outputs of the SA process helped to shape the plan and policies, incorporating the principles of sustainable development. In particular the Council sought sites which would support existing neighbourhoods, help protect green and open spaces and which are accessible by public transport or walking. As a large proportion of development within the BLP will be directed toward new Garden Villages and large employment sites, the sustainability performance of these areas was carefully appraised in the SA to consider likely infrastructure improvement which would be needed alongside residential and non-residential development.

The Broxbourne Local Plan was submitted to the Secretary of State in March 2018. We have supported the Council through the examination process and actively engaged with key environmental statutory bodies. We have since undertaken a SA of the Main Modifications to the BLP.