Three Rivers' first ever Green party councillor says the green belt has been people's biggest priority.  

Cllr Chris Mitchell became the first Green Party candidate to be elected in the Three Rivers District at the May 5 local elections.

Cllr Mitchell, who represents Dickinsons ward in Croxley, said people he spoke to do not want to lose areas to walk in.  

He said: “The biggest concern that people have in Croxley Green, based on my door knocking, is building on the green belt.

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“A lot of people said: ‘We’ve lived here for so many years. One of the reasons of us being here is that we have got so many places to walk, we are surrounded by the green belt’.”

Cllr Mitchell believes the focus should be on previously developed brownfield sites first.

He added: “We understand that development is needed, but there are still some brown sites left.”

Residents were also concerned that new homes would add to traffic, said Cllr Mitchell.  

He continued: “The ideal scenario is no building on the green belt, but that might not be 100% realistic.

“But that is where I will start and take it from there.”

Cllr Mitchell believes the local plan seems to be going round in circles, and says the only way changes could be made is with cross-party support.

He said: “I couldn’t do without it. I want to see what support there is for it and have initial discussions with other councillors.

“I want to find out more about that and get it in the right direction.

“I think there is some support [to stop the building]. Whether there is enough or not, I will find out.”

Three Rivers District Council's local plan is being drawn up to outline how the is expected to grow over the next 15 years, by earmarking land for homes and jobs.

It was produced in response to the Government’s aim to build more homes in England.

Cllr Mitchell also wants to bring the green, Stones Orchard and the allotments under the parish council’s control. Currently, they fall under Three Rivers District Council’s remit.

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