Sir Oliver Dowden MP recently met with local residents, Cllr Lucy Selby and Cllr Caroline Clapper to object to a site on the St Albans Local Plan.

St Albans City and District Council’s Draft Local Plan sets out the planning policies and proposals for the future development of St Albans City and District to 2041. The Council have now opened the Regulation 19 consultation to assess whether the Local Plan has been prepared in accordance with legal and procedural requirements, and whether it is ‘sound’.

One of the allocated sites in the Local Plan is reserved for a 274 house development on Green Belt land off Harper Lane, north of Radlett. 

Oliver has raised residents’ concerns and encouraged them to object to the proposal via St Albans Council’s website. 

Oliver said: ‘I have met with Radlett residents, Cllr Lucy Selby and Cllr Caroline Clapper to discuss the St Albans Local Plan. Although the Local Plan does not cover the Hertsmere constituency, it will impact constituents on the boundary of St Albans.

‘I am concerned about this site having access or public rights of way onto the quiet residential roads in the north of Radlett. I was pleased to learn that following a meeting with St Albans Council it has been agreed that there would be no vehicle, pedestrian or cycling access through these roads from the development site. 

‘I am also concerned about the proposed site ruining our green spaces. This is in addition to Labour’s housing reforms, which puts our precious Green Belt at even more risk. Once this open countryside is lost it is gone forever and our children and grandchildren will not be able to enjoy it.

‘I am pleased to get agreement on the access roads but I am still opposed to this development and encourage residents to write to St Albans Council to voice their opinions.’