The new Labour / Lib Dem Council have published their proposals for the new Local Plan. The Local Plan will help shape development in Hertsmere over the next two decades.

I have grave concerns about these plans destroying the Green Belt, especially in Bushey at Bushey Golf and Country Club or in Radlett at Porters Park Golf Club and the land south of Theobald Street.

I have been determined in my campaign to get the Housing Secretary to look again at its approach to planning in Hertsmere. This resulted in major reforms to the planning system, which will protect against development on green belt land and abolish top-down mandatory housing targets.

In spite of this the Labour/ Lib Dem Local Plan proposes a number of worrying incursions to the Green Belt. The plans are likely to lead to the loss of hundreds of acres of green space.

Once open countryside is lost it is gone forever. Our children and grandchildren will pay the price. Despite repeated promises from the Lib Dems to protect the Green Belt, they have performed a total U-turn.

This is new plan is delayed, no residents have been involved its creation and it incorporates proposals that were included in the old Local Plan, which was overwhelmingly rejected by 18,000 people. It is not good enough for local people.  

Your Conservative councillors and I will be holding the Labour / Lib Dem Council to account going forward to ensure that this new plan addresses people’s concerns.

I would strongly encourage everyone in Hertsmere to submit their own views by responding to the Council’s public consultation. This will launch on 3 April, and remain open for eight weeks, until 29 May. You can do so via this link.