Oliver has expressed his concerns at the government’s proposals for development in the Green belt around Hertsmere train stations.

In response to the Ministerial Statement for Planning Reform, he asked a question to the Minister of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

He said: “Within a mile of the well-connected stations of Radlett, Cuffley, Borehamwood, Potters Bar and Bushey, there is pristine countryside that is treasured by local communities and prevents urban sprawl. Now the opening up of this Green belt to a development free-for-all runs totally contrary to the promises made by the party opposite at the last election. So, can he clarify what radius around those stations is envisioned by these proposals, and what he will do to protect the existing character and integrity of existing villages and towns in my constituency and others up and down the country?”

The Minister responded: “Well I have got a huge amount of respect for the Rt Hon Gentleman, but it is absolutely incorrect to say that the draft framework proposes a free for all around land around trains stations. We want to establish in principle as I said a default yes for dev around rail stations within existing settlements, and to extend this to well-connected stations outside. This will give clarity and confidence that these locations are suitable for growth with the potential to unlock land for up to 1.8 million homes over the decades ahead. Alongside this, as I said Madam Deputy Speaker, we are proposing minimum densities to ensure land is used effectively. He asked me for a specific radius, it is set out in the framework. The definition set out in the framework is within walking distance around 800m. But as with everything in this framework we are consulting on what is the appropriate distance around train stations and I am more than happy to take his views and any other honourable members view's into account."