I spotted a rather attractive bird last Friday…the RSPB were kind enough to show me around Chobham Common, where I was thrilled to spot a Dartford Warbler.  The heath is designated as a special protection area however there are concerns that new housing developments in the area will impact upon the breeding grounds for these rare birds. 

 

Later that day, by coincidence, I was pleased to address the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England at the Guildhall, not least because it is a 5 minute walk from home but also, it is so refreshing to have an organisation dedicated to protecting and promoting green spaces.

 

Over the last few years, the character of much of the constituency has been changing at an alarming pace.  Where houses with spacious gardens once stood, there is now high density housing which place an extra strain on our already over-stretched local schools, hospitals, GPs and water supplies.  Many of these new developments are well designed and attractive, but the pace of change cannot continue as it has done in the past if the quality of life for existing residents is to be protected and promoted.

 

Often, the local council will veto a planning application for such developments on such grounds but all the Government does is appoint a Whitehall Inspector who has the power to overturn decisions made by locally elected councillors.

 

Having campaigned against insensitive high density overdevelopment for some time, you have my commitment that I will continue to do so until this Government’s planning regulations are rebalanced in favour of local communities and their wishes.

 

In the meantime we must all be thankful, in certain parts of the constituency, to the Dartford Warbler, CPRE and other local campaign groups – keep up the good work!