Council Business
East Herts District Council Rural Community Survey
Residents and Workers Encouraged to Help Shape new Local Plan by Taking Part in Rural Economy Survey
Published: 22 October 2026
Residents and Workers Encouraged to Help Shape new Local Plan by Taking Part in Rural Economy Survey
People who live and work in the rural parts of East Herts are being invited to complete East Herts Council’s Rural Economy Survey, which seeks to gather
information about the issues and challenges facing rural communities as part of
ongoing work to develop the new East Herts Local Plan.
Information collected through the Rural Economy Survey will inform the new
Local Plan, helping to shape future planning policies that support a thriving,
resilient, and sustainable rural economy. Once finalised, the new Local Plan will
guide how the council plans for homes, jobs, infrastructure, and the
environment over the next 10 years.
The Rural Economy Survey invites feedback on a range of topics including rural
businesses and employment, farming, food security and land management,
infrastructure and connectivity, housing and affordability, community wellbeing,
and inclusion, as well as future opportunities and local priorities.
Sara Saunders, Director for Place and Deputy Chief Executive at East Herts
Council, said, “East Herts is a predominantly rural district, with more than 100
villages. It is therefore essential that the voices of those who live and work in our
rural communities are heard as we prepare a new Local Plan. This survey
provides an opportunity for residents, businesses, farmers and community
groups to tell us what is working well, the challenges they face, and the
opportunities they would like to see realised in the future. Your feedback will
play an important role in shaping policies that support thriving rural
communities while still protecting the distinctive qualities that make East Herts
such a special place.”
Responses can be submitted by visiting the council’s Your Voice engagement
platform: ![]()
https://yourvoice.eastherts.gov.uk/east-herts-rural-economy-survey
For more information, please contact:
∙Cameron Johnston
∙Communications, Wallfields, Pegs Lane, Hertford SG13 8EQ
∙![]()
communications@eastherts.gov.uk