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'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 Welcomes Decision to Scrap Proposed Local Plan

Oliver has welcomed Hertsmere Borough Council’s decision not to proceed with its draft Local Plan.  Council leaders have announced that, following the end of the consultation period and full consideration of residents’ comments, they will not be proceeding with the draft plan in

Oliver Meets with Hertsmere Borough Council to Discuss Future of Local Plan

Oliver met with Cllr Morris Bright, Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, and Cllr Harvey Cohen, Planning Portfolio Holder at the council, on Friday to discuss the future of the draft Local Plan. Hertsmere Borough Council’s consultation on the draft Local Plan closed on 6 December 2021 and the Counc

Oliver's New Year Q&A for My News

What have you learned from 2021 that you're bringing into 2022?  2021 has been another challenging year for all of us as we’ve continued the battle against Covid. I’ve certainly learned to cherish what we have, especially family and friends.

Oliver's Column for My News - December 2021

As many of you will know, protecting our green spaces has always been one of my priorities as your MP.  Many residents have expressed concerns about the scale of development proposed in Hertsmere Borough Council’s draft Local Plan.

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.

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.  The Local Plan establishes the number of new houses to be built over this time period, wher

Oliver Challenges Housing Numbers

Oliver has written to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, to challenge the number of houses which Hertsmere Borough Council must accommodate in their new Local Plan, and to raise the effect of these on Hertsmere’s green spaces.   Working closely

Oliver's Column for My News - May 2021

Over the past year, many of us have been spending more time outside enjoying the beautiful countryside that surrounds Bushey and Radlett. This is why I have been appalled to hear from residents about recent spates of both littering and fly-tipping. It ru