Former MP for Chipping Barnet, Dame Theresa Villiers DBE, has condemned proposals to build a new housing estate on green belt land off Rowley Lane in Arkley.
Speaking as an Arkley resident, Dame Theresa said: “The plan by Bugler Homes to build 230 flats/houses and a care home on this land is unacceptable.
This site, and the neighbouring police-owned land, provides a vital buffer between Arkley and Borehamwood. It performs a core green belt function of preventing urban sprawl.
Allowing this development would set an appalling precedent which could see the urbanization of the outer edge of the borough and a merger of Barnet with Hertsmere and Potters Bar.
This plan is only under consideration because the Labour Government has seriously weakened protection for the green belt. By inventing this new category of so-called “grey belt” land, Labour has opened the door for damaging speculative development proposals like this one from Bugler Homes.
I am urging residents to campaign against these plans and I am calling on Barnet Council to reject them. We need to vote out Labour at the local elections on 7th May because we need a Conservative council to fight against plans like these.”
Bugler Homes has contacted local group, The Arkley Association, indicating that they are at an early stage of work on a planning application.
Further information about the proposal to build over land between Rowley Lane and the A1 can be found here on the Barnet Society website.
Digital imprint: Promoted by Rachel Shawcross, on behalf of Theresa Villiers both of 212 Ballards Lane, Finchley, London, N3 2LX.