Sir Oliver Dowden MP has voiced his further concerns following the announcement of the Labour government’s reforms on planning.

The Labour government’s reforms, which were set out in a statement to the House of Commons today, included changing the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), reinstating top-down mandatory housing targets and redesignating large chunks of Green Belt as grey belt.

Sir Oliver has voiced his opposition to these reforms, noting the burden they will place on the Green Belt.

Sir Oliver said: ‘I have grave concerns about the major overhaul of planning rules announced by the Labour government and their impact on our precious Green Belt.

‘They have pledged to reimpose top-down mandatory housing targets which I lobbied so hard to remove. This will mean large new housing quotas for our area.

‘They have also confirmed that they will re-designate large chunks of Green Belt as grey belt, removing vital and necessary protections, in order to build on it.

‘Whilst Labour won nationally, they did not in Hertsmere so I will continue to oppose these destructive changes.’