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 Meets with Elstree and Borehamwood Green Belt Society

Oliver met with the Elstree and Borehamwood Green Belt Society (EBGBS) to discuss his ongoing work to protect the local Green Belt.

They discussed Hertsmere’s recently shelved draft Local Plan, as well as the future of Woodcock Hill Village Green and Aldenham Reservoir.

Oliver's Column for My News - March 2022

As many of you know, I grew up locally and understand how vital it is to protect our precious green spaces. The give freedom to enjoy the countryside, enhance our wellbeing, prevent unsustainable urban sprawl and preserve the distinct charm of our towns and villages.  

Oliver's Statement on Solar Farm application

As many of you know I have been taking a close interest in the application to develop a solar farm on the land to the North East and West of Elstree Aerodrome. This decision will be taken by the Hertsmere Borough Council Planning Committee on Thursday.

Oliver's Column for My News - November 2021

Hertsmere residents have been invited to make their views known on the contents of the draft Local Plan, which sets out the borough council’s planning strategy for at least the next 15 years.