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 as they develop 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 Campaigns Against Proposed Battery Energy Storage System

Oliver Dowden visited Letchmore Heath to campaign against a proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

Chiltern Green Energy have put in a planning application to build a Battery Energy Storage System on the 30 acre site just outside Letchmore Heath.

Oliver's Statement on Woodcock Hill Village Green

I am incredibly disappointed to hear that a Judge has upheld the Planning Inspectorate’s decision to approve the Deregistration and Exchange of village green land at Woodcock Hill in Borehamwood.

Oliver's Column for My News - March 2023

As many of you know, I am extremely concerned about the burden being put on our green open spaces by development pressure. Growing up locally, I understand how vital it is to protect this.