It’s clear that just about everyone in West Herts (and Chesham and Amersham!) objects strongly to the Government planning reforms for our area and it doesn’t help that residents’ involvement in drafting them has been minimal. Feelings are so strong that I think it likely that we will see protests similar to those when the poll tax was introduced.

But I don’t understand why the Government is walking into this trap because it doesn’t have to be like this. It is perfectly feasible to listen to local people and their concerns and involve them in the decision-making process. Isn’t this what democracy’s about?

Most people recognise that we need more housing - especially affordable housing - and have a positive contribution to make to the debate. Many also want government and councils to be more innovative in their thinking about development. We want to see new housing designs with low carbon footprints. We need to prioritise brown field sites so we can save as much of the countryside as possible. So come on Watford, Three Rivers and Dacorum councils, please make a real effort to find out what we want.

Philip Parry

South West Herts Labour Party