The protection of the green belt is a key issue in Brentwood and Ongar, which is a rural constituency with many beautiful villages and hamlets tucked into the Essex countryside.
I am currently aware of a number of issues with unauthorised development within green belt areas in the constituency, and the distress and concern caused to local residents by the destruction of previously undeveloped fields and land. Just last week I met with parish and district councillors for Willingale, and the Leader of Epping Forest District Council, Cllr Chris Whitbread, to discuss a number of cases in the parish which are of concern to residents and the local planning authority alike. There is currently a similar issue in Warley, with Brentwood Borough Council taking court action to address the problems which have arisen from the unauthorised development of a field.
I was able to share details of two Government consultations which have taken place into the issue of unauthorised development and, as part of the landmark Police, Crime, Sentencing & Courts Bill, new laws will be introduced to increase the powers available to the police in England and Wales. The Bill will introduce a new criminal offence where a person resides or intends to reside on any public or private land without permission and has caused, or is likely to cause, significant harm, obstruction, or harassment or distress.
In addition, the Bill amends the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 to broaden the list of harms that can be considered by the police when directing people away from land; and increase the period in which persons directed away from land must not return from three months to 12 months. Amendments to the 1994 Act will in addition allow police to direct trespassers away from land that forms part of a highway.
The Willingale councillors, like so many in a similar position, are keen for there to be clear processes which mean anyone trying to build on, or alter, green belt land, cannot start work until appropriate permission has been given, with planning authorities able to take swift action to demand unauthorised buildings be removed and the land returned to its previous state. I fully understand the strength of feeling behind keeping our countryside safe from unnecessary development and will continue with my manifesto pledge to make sure that the countryside is protected and that the law is obeyed.
