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 with those at the council, including the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Cllr Dr Harvey Cohen, Oliver has raised the concerns on behalf of Hertsmere residents about the impact of the numbers on Hertsmere.    

Oliver said: 'A number of Hertsmere residents and borough councillors, including Cllr Dr Harvey Cohen, have raised with me their concerns about the large number of new houses which Hertsmere must accommodate in its new Local Plan, in line with the department’s standard method for calculating housing need.  

While I know Hertsmere must do its bit to accommodate new housing in line with its national obligations, it is important to be fair to existing residents and ensure the preservation of our green spaces, whose protection remains a key priority of mine.  

That is why I have asked Michael Gove to look again at Hertsmere’s housing numbers and consider whether these are up-to-date and appropriate, particularly in comparison with other similar boroughs and districts.'