Save Oxhey Lane Fields
We are a coalition of local residents fighting a planning application (25/1020/OUT) for 256 homes on Green Belt land.
Why this matters
If this development goes ahead there will be
A loss of vital Green Belt and open space used by hundreds of dog walkers, ramblers and nature lovers for generations — Oxhey Lane Fields have been formally assessed as performing strongly against the five purposes of Green Belt as defined by the National Planning Policy Framework
Increased traffic and congestion
Damage to fields, trees and wildlife habitats which could be lost forever
Greater strain on local infrastructure (schools, GPs)
Years of disruption from the construction
A much higher chance that other nearby Green Belt land will also be built on
Where we are now
Three Rivers District Council refused the application on the grounds that it is inappropriate development on Green Belt land.
Following a request from the developer, the Housing Minister has called in the application and ordered a full Public Inquiry (a legal hearing led by a Planning Inspector). The decision will be made based on the Inspector's recommendations.
We've been granted Rule 6 status under the planning regulations, which gives us formal representation at the inquiry. This means we can cross-examine the developer's case, call our own expert witnesses, and put residents' evidence on the record.
Three Rivers District Council will defend their refusal — but we cannot rely on that alone.
Our counsel is barrister Peter Cruickshank of Six Pump Court. We also have two independent expert witnesses to support our case.
Residents' voices must be heard.
The Timeline
- 14 MayStatement of Case submitted
- 18 MayCase Management Conference
- 2 JuneProofs of Evidence due
- 1 JulyPublic Inquiry begins
- 1 - 10 JulyExpert witness statements, cross examination and closing submissions
- OctoberInspector's recommendation, Secretary of State's decision
The real cost of this fight
The developer will arrive at the Public Inquiry with a full team - barristers, planning consultants, ecologists, highways and flood specialists and landscape experts. Each of their witnesses will give evidence under cross-examination. To stand a chance, we have to match them.
Barrister Fees
Preparing our case, reviewing evidence, attending and cross-examining at the Inquiry.
For each expert witness
Per witness, from initial briefing through to giving evidence at the inquiry.
Every pound you give helps fund the work already underway.
Why we need the money now
This is not a race to a single deadline. It's a sustained fundraising effort to keep the fight resourced through every phase:
Paying for the work already done and currently underway
Funding the preparation of Proofs of Evidence
Funding any additional experts we can bring on
Paying for hearing days, cross-examination, closing arguments
Covering the final costs
This fight belongs to all of us
- If you value the Green Belt…
- If you care about open space, wildlife, and the character of our area…
- If you believe residents deserve a proper voice at the Inquiry…
Who we are
The SW Herts Coalition brings together:
Carpenders Park Residents' Association
The long-established voice of residents in the ward.
Can't Replace Green Space
A 1,000+ member community campaign founded in 2021.
The formal Rule 6 party is called "Residents Protecting Oxhey Lane Fields."
How you can help
Donate
Fund our barrister, expert witnesses and the work needed for the Public Inquiry.
Give via GoFundMeShare
- Tell your neighbours why this campaign matters to them and ask them to donate
- Share on Social Media and WhatsApp groups and encourage people to donate
Get Involved
Email us at saveourgreenbelt.herts@gmail.com if you have expertise that can help.
Email UsFrequently Asked Questions
There is only one chance to try to save these fields. Once they are gone, they are gone forever.