Area Overview for Handside Ward

Parkway - Welwyn Garden City. in Handside Ward
Welwyn Garden City: Twentieth Mile Bridge (original) in Handside Ward
17 Guessens Road Welwyn Garden City in Handside Ward
Howardsgate and Fretherne Road, Welwyn Garden City in Handside Ward
Grassed promenade between roads at Parkway in Handside Ward
Guessens Road, Welwyn Garden City in Handside Ward
Handside Lane, Welwyn Garden City in Handside Ward
Meadow Green, Welwyn Garden City in Handside Ward
Howardsgate, Welwyn Garden City in Handside Ward
Stonehills, Welwyn Garden City in Handside Ward
Welwyn Garden City, town centre in Handside Ward
Lineside factory, Welwyn Garden City in Handside Ward
81 photos from this area

Area Information

Living in Handside Ward offers a distinct experience within the Welwyn Hatfield district of Hertfordshire. This compact ward covers just 3.6 square kilometres, creating a tightly knit community where neighbours often know one another. You will find a quiet residential atmosphere here, separate from the busier commercial hubs of the wider district. With 1,758 residents calling this area home, the ward maintains a low population density of 486 people per square kilometre. These figures suggest a neighbourhood where space is plentiful and daily life moves at a measured pace. The area functions as a well-defined local authority unit within the East of England region. Profiled as a district borough unitary ward, Handside lacks the historical landmarks or notable features typical of larger ancient settlements. Its character is defined by its size and location rather than grand monuments or extensive industrial history. Residents here enjoy the benefits of a smaller community without being isolated from the services provided by the Welwyn Hatfield local authority. Whether you look for a private studio or a larger family home, you will find options within this substantial but geographically contained space. The ward represents a practical choice for those seeking a settled lifestyle in a recognised administrative area.

Area Type
District Borough Unitary Ward
Area Size
3.6 km²
Population
1758
Population Density
486 people/km²

Demographics

The community profile of Handside Ward is defined by a notably older demographic than the national average. With a median age of 70 years, this ward serves as a primary retirement location. The population consists primarily of residents in older age brackets, reflecting a stable and established community structure. You will find that the average household here comprises people who have lived in their homes for many years, contributing to the area's low turnover rate. This age profile influences local amenities and social activities, prioritising services suited to an elderly population rather than young families or students. Home ownership is the dominant tenure in Handside Ward, with 65 per cent of residents owning their property outright or with a mortgage. This high level of ownership underscores the area's status as a place where people settle down for the long term rather than viewing homes as temporary rentals. The ward functions as a traditional neighbourhood where stability is the norm. While specific data on household composition types such as singles or couples is not detailed in the available records, the high ownership rate strongly implies multi-generational stability. The community composition reflects a predictable pattern typical of mature English districts, offering continuity and familiar surroundings for those looking to retire or downsize.

Household Size

total
most common

Accommodation Type

total
most common

Tenure

65
majority

Ethnic Group

total
most common

Religion

total
most common

Household Composition

total
most common

Age

70
median
Age: Total
most common

Household Deprivation

N/A
with no deprivation

NS-SEC

49
in Lower managerial occupations

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Planning

Planning Constraints

  • Flood Risk
    Premium
  • Ramsar Wetland Sites
    Premium
  • Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
    Premium
  • Protected Nature Reserve
    Premium
  • Protected Woodland
    Premium
  • Crime Risk
    Premium

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Open Planning map

Frequently Asked Questions

Who primarily lives in Handside Ward?
Handside Ward is home to an older population with a median age of 70 years. The area functions mainly as a retirement community within the Welwyn Hatfield district. Out of 1,758 residents, 65 per cent own their homes, reflecting a stable community of long-term residents rather than transient populations.
How good is the internet connection for working from home in Handside Ward?
Digital connectivity in Handside Ward is excellent, with a fixed broadband quality score of 92 out of 100. This rating ensures reliable high-speed internet suitable for remote work, video conferencing, and streaming. Residents can expect urban-level connectivity despite the ward's rural characteristics.
What are the main safety concerns for living in Handside Ward?
The main safety consideration in Handside Ward is a medium crime risk, scored at 56 out of 100, which is average for the region. Flood risk is low with a score of 3.45. While standard security precautions are advisable, the area does not have severe environmental hazards like significant flood risks.
Are there any planning restrictions I should know about?
Yes, Handside Ward contains protected woodland, which carries a planning warning level score of 2.95. This protects natural areas from development. The ward has no AONB or Ramsar wetland coverage, so restrictions are limited mainly to the conservation of the existing wooded sections.

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