Defending our Countryside

One of the great pleasures of living in our part of Hertfordshire is the countryside we have right on our doorstep. I grew up enjoying the green fields around Radlett and love the space and freedom it provides. It makes our towns and villages distinct and special places to live. We of course need more homes for our children and grandchildren, but this must not be at the expense of what makes our area special. 

Nationally, I have championed the maintenance of our green open spaces. Locally, I have joined campaigns against inappropriate and unsustainable developments. 

I have worked closely with STRIFE to do all I can to resist the construction of the Radlett Rail Freight Terminal that would clog our roads, blight our countryside and put further pressure on the Thameslink line. I've championed the maintenance and re-planting of precious trees across the Borough. In Bushey I am also continuing to work with all parties to help secure the future of Aldenham Reservoir. I am also working with residents in Borehamwood to help fight the De-registration and Exchange of village green land at Woodcock Hill. 

I urge constituents to engage with the council’s consultation on the new local plan, and I have stressed to councillors the importance of protecting our green spaces as they work to put a new plan in place. I am also engaging with the Housing Secretary to raise constituents’ concerns about Hertsmere’s housing targets.  

It is a key priority of mine to protect our precious green open spaces for generations to come. 

News

Oliver's Column for My News - September 2024

The new Labour government have set out their law-making agenda for this Parliament and I have grave concerns about the reforms on planning. Since I was first elected in 2015, I have made protecting our local countryside one of my major priorities for the area.

Oliver Expresses Further Concerns Over Planning Reforms

Sir Oliver Dowden MP has voiced his further concerns following the announcement of the Labour government’s reforms on planning. The Labour government’s reforms, which were set out in a statement to the House of Commons today, included changing the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), reinstat

Oliver Voices Concerns For Green Belt After King’s Speech

Sir Oliver Dowden MP has expressed his concerns following the announcement of the Labour government’s reforms on planning. 
The King’s Speech, which set out the new Labour government’s law-making plans, proposed reforms to the planning system.

Oliver Unites with Cuffley Residents Against Meadway Development

Oliver recently met with residents of The Meadway, Cuffley to discuss a planning application which proposes to erect 73 residential units on the land north of the Meadway.   Oliver met with over 15 residents who resided along the Meadway to listen to their concerns over this proposal.