The government’s new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) represents a step backwards for local democracy and sustainable development. By allowing planning officers to approve developments without councillors’ input, it sidelines local communities and prioritises profit-driven developers over genuine need. In St Albans, this approach risks creating more high-cost, car-dependent homes that fail to address our affordability crisis.

Grey belt is not a solution

The so-called “grey belt” offers no real solution to land shortages in St Albans. Sites such as quarries, car parks and golf courses are limited and often unsuitable for housing. This definition doesn’t magically create viable land – it simply opens the door to inappropriate and environmentally damaging developments. In a district already under pressure, this could lead to conflict between competing priorities like green space preservation, food security, and nature recovery.

Changes make planning harder

Rather than working to the Council’s advantage, these changes will make things harder. By bypassing local decision-making, they risk imposing poorly planned developments that fail to meet community needs. 

Thousands of approved homes remain unbuilt

There are already thousands of unbuilt homes nationwide with planning permission, yet the government ignores this bottleneck, blaming councils instead. The new targets will impose inappropriate developments on our green spaces while neglecting vital infrastructure like GP surgeries, schools, and public transport.

We need homes that meet local needs

St Albans needs the right homes in the right places – high-quality, affordable social housing that meets local needs and adheres to strict environmental standards. Developers must be held accountable for delivering these homes while contributing to essential services, not just profits.

The government’s framing of this as a battle between “builders and blockers” is an insult to residents who understand the need for balance – protecting nature and ensuring food security alongside meeting housing demand. Green councillors in St Albans will continue to fight for truly affordable, sustainable housing while opposing damaging developments that threaten our environment and community wellbeing.

Local democracy must not be bulldozed.

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St Albans urgently needs a local plan. A robust and bold one that secures sustainable, well-built housing for future generations and those waiting on housing lists.

Does the current plan deliver that? There’s plenty of talk about sustainability and biodiversity, but will it stand up to the changes from climate change? If we must build on greenbelt land, we have to get it right. Greenbelt land provides carbon sequestration, flood mitigation, wildlife habitats, and food crops.

We need to build fully sustainable, gas-free homes to protect people from energy price spikes. Let’s give people homes of the future – warm, cheap to run, powered by renewable technologies – that won’t need retrofitting later because we didn’t commit to the best we can build.

We also need better commitment and service from public transport companies. Car usage here is higher than average, and the local plan does little to address it. Walking and cycling are promoted, but we need reliable, frequent buses to get around. Redbourn has no rail access, poor bus service, and yet is earmarked for major development. Air quality is already an issue, with rising asthma rates, especially in children.

The Environment Agency’s report on the plan raises concerns about our water quality and efficiency – we use more water per capita than the national average. The sewage plant that serves St Albans is at capacity and regularly discharges into the River Ver – a river we’re trying to revitalise. Thames Water has had little input, and the plan leaves it to developers to liaise with them. How will the sewage plant cope with all the sites listed in the plan?

The plan includes flood-risk sites and says the risk will be mitigated. Given our current rainfall levels, careful planning is essential. It also includes a meadow with rare, protected species and an ancient monument. The number of houses on this site has already been reduced because it’s so restrictive, and the Greenbelt Review suggests there are too many complications to include it. How can houses be built here when we can’t plant trees in Verulamium Park because of ancient monuments?

The local plan should commit to a sustainable future for St Albans.

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In the new Harpenden & Berkhamsted seat we were tightly squeezed by the other parties, but Paul de Hoest managed a very respectable 1,951 votes. See Harpenden & Berkhamsted results.

We are of course also celebrating the Greens’ incredible national performance, with 2 million votes and 4 brand new Green MPs.

The post St Albans Greens triple their vote on huge night for party appeared first on St Albans District Green Party.

But in St Albans, there is absolutely no need to do that.

Britain Elects projects a huge 53% majority for Lib Dem Daisy Cooper, with the Conservative vote crashing to 22%. So you do not need to vote tactically. There is plenty of room for you to vote Green.

There are many reasons to vote Green in St Albans, even if we don’t win here.

First, we really need Green MPs to push back against a cautious Labour Government that’s sticking with Tory budget cuts and watering down their environmental plans. The Greens are eyeing four seats and could very well make gains. The more support they get nationally, the stronger their voice in challenging Labour.

Secondly, media attention is driven by national vote percentages. If the Green vote is low, their viewpoints on key issues like the environment, the cost of living, and public services, won’t get the airtime they deserve.

Third, even if Green candidates don’t win, a strong showing can sway MPs of all stripes to pay more attention to Green priorities, since MPs do keep tabs on how the other parties are doing and often adjust their stance based on voter sentiment. Look at what happened with Ukip.

Fourth, there’s also money on the line. Opposition parties get funds based on their vote share, which they use to support their parliamentary work. For the Greens, who don’t have big corporate or union backers and rely on small donations, every vote that bumps up their percentage can mean a big boost in resources.

The Green vote has been kept down for too long, and it’s shown in slow government responses to environmental crises. If you think it’s time for a stronger Green influence in politics, voting Green this election is the way to go.

The post Voting Green will not let the Tories in here appeared first on St Albans District Green Party.

Juliet got over 900 votes, and gets 4 more years as a councillor. Lucy got over 1200 votes which would normally be enough for a win, but was pipped by just 100 or so votes. Damian was just 42 votes short in a nail-biting contest.

Meanwhile Labour gained two and the Conservatives lost one. As a result, the Green & Independent group of 4 is now the second largest on the Council.

Full results are on the Council website.

In the Hertfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner election on the same day, the Greens’ Matt Fisher won a very respectable 10% of the vote.

Across the country, Greens had another great night of results. There are now over 800 Green councillors. Hundreds of new members have joined the party.

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