An MP met with a council planning bosses following concerns that development may not be met with the right infrastructure.

Oliver Dowden spoke with senior planning members at Hertsmere Borough Council, Cllr Harvey Cohen and Christine Lyons at the council's offices in Borehamwood on Good Friday

The meeting was an opportunity to discuss the ongoing local plan which sets out future development across Hertsmere.

Mr Dowden said: "How we meet the needs of a growing community is one of the biggest challenges we face here in Hertsmere. That’s why it’s important for me to meet with the planning department to scrutinise their proposals and to make sure that my constituents’ voices are heard in this process.

"They are examining a wide range of options to meet the government’s targets for house building. I stressed to them that while we must provide homes for the next generation, we must also make sure that we keep what makes our area special.

"Our green open spaces are essential to preserving our borough’s town and villages, creating distinct communities and preventing ugly urban sprawl.

"At the same time, new development needs to be matched by the right infrastructure, including schools, roads, GPs and emergency services.

"I was very glad to hear from the council that they share this view and are working to do just this in the local plan."

In September, a 'preferred options' report will be released which will include closer details of which sites the council are looking to redevelop for housing.

To learn more about the local plan consultation process, click here