*GREEN BELT PROTECTED IN BEACONSFIELD* as major planning application REJECTED.

GREEN BELT PROTECTED IN BEACONSFIELD as major planning application REJECTED.

A crucial debate and vote took place at the end of July at the Strategic Sites Committee, where I argued strongly against the potential downgrading of Beaconsfield's precious Green Belt. I outlined in detail the threats this posed to our heritage and infrastructure, building on a 12-page written submission I prepared setting out all our concerns.

The concept of the Grey Belt is still very new, and these early debates are vital as they could set a precedent for the future. In the end, after a razor-thin vote, the Council’s Strategic Sites Committee voted six to five in favour of refusal.

I want to thank all the local residents, our MP Joy Morrissey, Town Councillor Paul Mason and the wider community who gave evidence and provided vital advocacy and support. I was elected to defend the Green Belt and that’s exactly what we did.

There will be more challenges ahead as Labour imposes massive development pressure on our area, but we will continue to scrutinise every proposal in forensic detail and stand up for local residents.