A campaigner fighting to stop a proposed 6,000 home garden village believes there is "no interest" to stop it happening.

Brett Ellis, who lives in London Colney, is concerned about the levels of traffic and impact on London Colney if the Redwell Garden Village goes ahead.

In May, landowners, the Tyttenhanger Estate, published plans for the garden village which would be built on green belt land east of London Colney near the M25.

As well as houses, the village would also include four primary schools, surgeries, and a space for shops, as well as cycle routes and open spaces.

The land in question falls within Hertsmere, however the development would have an impact on constituents in St Albans.

After many discussions, Mr Ellis was happy to meet with Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden on July 29. Mr Ellis said the meeting had been a "long time coming".

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Dowden explained how position on the matter.

He said: “Personally, I would love us to be able to say no more houses anyway. But we have to be able to build for the next generation.

“I can’t speak for Hertsmere, Hertsmere (the council) have to speak for themselves. I have no control over the council. I broadly agree with government policy over housing. We do need to build more houses so we are seeking to accommodate that need. That will cause difficult decisions.

“It is really important that Hertsmere engage with residents.

“The green belt is absolutely essential to prevent urban sprawl. They need to look that they maintain the distinct character and charm of existing villages. There’s not the brownfield left in Hertsmere.

“There aren’t brownfield sites in Borehamwood and Potters Bar. I have sympathy for the green belt. Whenever I meet with the council, I am always questioning and challenging them on their numbers."

In March, Mr Ellis released a 'protest song'

Councils across England are under pressure to build thousands of new homes over the next 15 years or so.

It has been suggested that 9,000 new homes need to be built across Hertsmere and the Redwell Garden Village would go some way to filling that need.

Mr Ellis also met with St Albans MP Anne Main on the same day at the Green Dragon pub in London Colney alongside fellow ‘Campaign for Colney’ committee members.

Following the meeting, Mr Ellis said: "Oliver Dowden came to my house for a 20 minute meeting. I am glad he made the effort to come, despite the short time he stayed. Unfortunately I believe he had no interest in supporting Campaign for Colney.

In response to claims that he had "no interest" in supporting the campaign, Mr Dowden said: "London Colney is in the St Albans constituency and there is a strict parliamentary convention that MPs cannot represent non-constituents.

"I do though discuss this issue with residents of Shenley and the surrounding villages and will continue to do so.

"I encourage all Hertsmere residents to respond to the council’s preferred options report later this year, as I have done on behalf of residents."

Mrs Main has been approached for comment but is yet to respond.