Sir Oliver has reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to protecting Hertsmere’s Green Belt following a recent visit to Shenley Hill in Radlett with local councillor Lucy Selby.

The visit comes as developers continue to push for the construction of 195 houses on the site, despite previous rejections by Hertsmere Borough Council and the Planning Inspectorate. The proposed development has faced fierce local opposition, with residents concerned over the damage to green space, putting strain on local infrastructure and increasing traffic levels.

The Council’s most recent rejection has been challenged by Fairfax Acquisitions Ltd despite making no substantial changes from the previous application.

Once Labour were elected into government, they introduced reforms on planning, including redesignating Green Belt land as “grey belt”, which is now being used to justify building on it.

A Public Inquiry will open on Tuesday 3 February at the Council offices and is scheduled to last four days, with the public able to attend.

Oliver has contacted the Planning Inspectorate, opposing the proposal, raising residents’ concerns of the harm it would cause to the area.

Sir Oliver Dowden MP said: “Shenley Hill is once again threatened with development. Fairfax is appealing their planning application to erect 195 homes, which was rejected by the council. Just as I warned before the election, Labour is using the excuse of ‘grey belt’ to tarmac over Green Belt land.

Councillor Lucy Selby and I will keep fighting this, as it comes up before the Planning Inspector in February.”