Residents have the chance to shape the future of their own neighbourhood by discussing the plans at public meetings.

Hertsmere Borough Council are encouraging people to book on to a series events called “Conversations About… Hertsmere’s Future” which will be held in various venues to discuss how the borough should develop.

Around 9,000 new homes and 9,000 new jobs are needed to keep up with the rate of the development over the next 15 years in the borough according to new estimates.

This means that housebuilding may need to more than double what it has been in recent years to keep up with demand, and more space would need to be provided for employment.

The second stage of the public consultation is underway and people are urged to take part and have can have their say about the best way to deal with this level of growth.

All comments will be used to help create the plan, decide what can be allowed, and what will be taken into account when planning applications are put forward.

The events will kick off in The Wyllotts Centre, Darkes Lane in Potters Bar on Wednesday, November 15, and the following week will be in The Bushey Arena, London Road, Bushey finishing at the Civic Offices, Elstree Way, Borehamwood on Thursday, November 23.

All sessions will take place between 6.30pm until 8pm and will include a light buffet.

Cllr Harvey Cohen, responsible for planning and localism said: "This is your chance to share what you value about your borough and how you want it to grow and develop over the next 15 years.

"We've so far held some well-attended events, including drop-in sessions at locations around the borough, in which people have been able to see for themselves the different ways Hertsmere could grow.

"At these events, we're not going to ask people to comment on these proposals, but to discuss with us, their views on a range of issues such as housing, local jobs, shops and services, community facilities, transport and talk more generally about the sort of place they want their community and this borough to be in 15 to 20 years' time.

"Feedback from these events, along with all responses from this consultation and our earlier consultation, will be used to help us create a new vision for Hertsmere's future."

For more information visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/planningevents or to book a place email local.plan@hertsmere.gov.uk or call 020 8207 2277.