Area Overview for Sherrards Ward

Bluebells in Sherrards Park Wood, north-east area in Sherrards Ward
Digswell Park: Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Family in Sherrards Ward
Digswell Park: The Hedgehog in Sherrards Ward
Digswell: Parish Church of St John in Sherrards Ward
Digswell: Digswell House in Sherrards Ward
Digswell Road at the corner of Knightsfield in Sherrards Ward
Path in Sherrardspark Wood in Sherrards Ward
Monks Walk, Sherrardspark Wood in Sherrards Ward
Path crosses over Knightsfield, Digswell Park in Sherrards Ward
Path leading to Digswell House in Sherrards Ward
Path towards Digswell House in Sherrards Ward
Path joins Monks Rise, Digswell Park in Sherrards Ward
28 photos from this area

Area Information

Sherrards Ward sits as a distinct district within Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council in Hertfordshire, covering exactly 3.1 km². You will find a population of 1,474 residents living across a compact borough unitary ward. The area is located in the eastern part of the Welwyn Hatfield zone, with coordinates placing it at 51.810555, -0.20848. This ward exists within a local government district with borough status that was formed on 1 April 1974 by merging three former districts: Hatfield Rural District, Welwyn Garden City Urban District, and Welwyn Rural District. Life here is defined by a deep connection to local heritage rather than modern sprawl. The ward takes its name from Sherrards mansion, a Victorian residence built circa 1861–1865 on the gates of Digswell Hill. The property has a notable 150-year history, having housed wealthy families like journalist William Henry Wills before becoming a training facility for the Spastics Society from 1956 to 1989. In 1997, the mansion was extended and converted into five separate houses. Today, the ward remains an electoral ward where the past visibly shapes the neighbourhood. Living in Sherrards Ward means you are in a location that preserves significant historical architecture while functioning as a practical part of the wider Welwyn Garden City community. The area offers a tight-knit environment where residents benefit from the legacy of properties that predate the town's formal establishment. Digswell Hill marks the boundary where this ward meets neighbouring areas, providing a clear geographical identity for those who call this space home.

Area Type
District Borough Unitary Ward
Area Size
3.1 km²
Population
1474
Population Density
480 people/km²

Demographics

The community in Sherrards Ward has a clear demographic profile characterised by an older population and high levels of home ownership. The median age for residents is 70, making this one of the oldest wards in the region. In terms of household composition and accommodation type, the data records the total figures without breaking down specific age brackets for these categories. Despite the absence of granular breakdowns for household types, the overall population density stands at 480 people per square kilometre. This density figure is consistent with the ward's total population of 1,474 across its 3.1 km² area. Home ownership is significant here, with 69% of residents owning their homes outright. This indicates a settled community where long-term stability is common. The data does not provide specifics on ethnicity or religion, so those aspects of diversity remain unquantified in the available records. However, the ratio of owners to potential renters suggests a static demographic with minimal turnover. When evaluating the area for living, you are looking at a neighbourhood where the average resident is significantly older than the national average. The high ownership rate means you are likely to deal with owners who have a vested interest in the long-term value and condition of their properties. The population composition reflects a retirement or mature age demographic, which often correlates with quieter streets and a stable community structure. Living in Sherrards Ward offers an environment where the resident base is well-established.

Household Size

total
most common

Accommodation Type

total
most common

Tenure

69
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

45
in Lower managerial occupations

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Planning

Planning Constraints

  • Flood Risk
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  • Ramsar Wetland Sites
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  • Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
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  • Protected Nature Reserve
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  • Protected Woodland
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Open Planning map

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes up the community in Sherrards Ward?
The community is defined by an older population with a median age of 70. Home ownership stands at 69%, indicating a settled neighbourhood. There are 1,474 residents living within the 3.1 km² ward, creating a close-knit community.
Is Sherrards Ward a good area for working from home?
Digital connectivity here is outstanding. The fixed broadband score is 99 out of 100, representing near-perfect fixed broadband quality. This ensures reliable high-speed internet suitable for remote work.
How safe is the area in Sherrards Ward?
The Crime Risk score is 79 out of 100, which classifies the area as having low crime risk and below-average crime rates. The Flood Risk score is 0.78, indicating low flood risk coverage for residents.
Are there planning constraints or protected sites I need to know about?
The ward contains protected woodland, which receives a warning level assessment of 18.1. There are no Ramsar wetland sites or AONB coverage, simplifying other planning considerations.

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