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. This is still in its consultation phase and I continue to urge all residents to make their views heard before it closes on 6 December. 

Whilst individual housing sites are a matter for the council, I appreciate that a lot of the pressure for additional development comes from targets set out by central government. These are to ensure that we build the houses needed by our children and grandchildren. You only need to look at local house prices to see how acute that need is.  

Nonetheless I am concerned about the very high targets being imposed on Hertsmere and whether these are up to date and accurately reflect current demands in the borough.  

I have therefore lobbied the Housing Secretary to challenge the number of houses which the council must accommodate and to raise the effect of these on our green spaces. I have asked him to consider whether our housing numbers are appropriate, particularly in comparison with other similar boroughs and districts. He has indicated that he is looking again at targets in general and I will continue to press our case. 

I have also taken a close interest in the Hilfield Solar Farm application, and I expressed my concerns about the size and scale of this application and the disproportionate impact on our green open spaces. I therefore welcome the decision to reject the application, citing the impact on the green belt.  

Please be assured that I will continue to pursue these issues and others, such as resisting the Radlett Railfreight terminal, on behalf of local residents.