A proposed shake-up to the planning process in Hertsmere, which would see all cases heard outside Bushey, will be assessed by councillors next month.

The plans would see the current three planning committees streamlined to just one, with all cases heard at the council's civic offices, in Borehamwood.

The local authority's executive committee will assess the plans, in October, before they give recommendations to the full council in November, where a decision will be made.

Chairman of the executive, councillor Morris Bright, said it is exciting times for the authority as the plans would free-up councillors to speak on residents' behalf.

He said: “I am yet to make up my mind on the plans but at the moment there are so many councillors on the planning committees that, when residents come to them for help in fighting an application, their hands are tied. The proposals are about streamlining to offer a better quality service and allowing councillors to become community advocates.”

Currently, the three planning committees – Bushey and Aldenham, Elstree and Borehamwood and Potters Bar and Shenley – meet to decide on planning issues in their own areas.

The new system would see one committee formed of 13 councillors rather than the 24 who sit on the three current committees.

However, the reform would not save a significant amount of cash for the authority.

When asked if he thought it was a problem that people may have to travel further to have their say on an application, Councillor Bright said: “It is a balance between travelling an extra 20 minutes and getting a better service.

“The council offices are better equipped for the meetings and residents would have the benefit of a councillor who is free to fight their corner. We will assess the possibilities in full at the executive committee.”

Details of the plans are due be published on the council's website five days before the meeting, scheduled to take place at the civic offices, in Elstree Way, on October 20, at 6pm.