Maintaining our beautiful Green Belt is essential to preserving our beautiful landscapes here in South West Hertfordshire. I know that this is a big area of concern for many residents, and I am continuing to hold local authorities such as the Liberal Democrat-controlled Three Rivers District Council to account. Unfortunately, the draft Local Plan submitted by the Lib Dem Council leadership was rejected by the Labour Government, who have now taken control of our planning process.
I will continue to oppose building on our Green Belt land, and will support local Councillors in preventing speculative applications on our beautiful land. We must ensure that we protect our environment, and continue to provide sufficient infrastructure such as access to GP surgeries and shops here in South West Hertfordshire.
I am also continuing to stand against ‘Grey Belt’ developments, which have created a framework for building on our Green Belt land. This characterisation disproportionately affects rural areas like South West Hertfordshire and threatens the character we love about our area.
Our rivers and chalk streams are also a hugely important characteristic of our green spaces. Flooding has a devastating effect on our communities and I am committed to improving our infrastructure so that it can be a problem of the past in my constituency.
I am pleased to have had many productive meetings with Thames Water and local organisations regarding sewage discharge into the River Chess and the organisation of waterways to tackle the causes of flooding.
I will continue to liaise with Thames Water and Affinity Water to protect residents from the fear of flooding in our local area.
