Ex-DPM Oliver Dowden has photographed himself looking sullen in a field to display his upset at new rules in the National Planning Policy Framework making it easier to build new homes near train stations. An obvious place to build them…
I am very worried about the government’s latest planning reforms published today, which will give a ‘default yes’ for developments near railway stations. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/nvviin1dIb
— Oliver Dowden (@OliverDowden) August 17, 2026
Dowden, who is still MP for Hertsmere, said:
“I am very worried about the government’s latest planning reforms published today, which will give a ‘default yes’ for developments near railway stations. Commuter hubs across Hertsmere, including Radlett, Cuffley, Borehamwood, Potters Bar and Bushey sit directly in the firing line of these changes, putting over 200 acres of our precious Green Belt at risk. I will continue to rigorously oppose these ill-thought-through changes that will do so much damage to our area.”
Is aggressive local NIMBYism still permitted in the new purging Tory Party? No one look at Chris Philp…
Lord Khan in the Telegraph: “I hope, and I say this in a non-pompous way, that the public service I do will bring rewards in this world and the hereafter,” he says. “I’m hoping the work I do is earning me Brownie points.”