New MP in vow on Green Belt

6:43pm Friday 27th June 2008

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The newly-elected Henley MP John Howell has vowed to defend Green Belt land on the outskirts of Oxford.

Mr Howell, who secured a 10,116-vote Conservative majority in a by-election on Thursday caused by the resignation of Boris Johnson, said he would go "the extra mile" to protect Green Belt land south of Oxford, which is in the sights of developers.

Mr Howell said: "Protecting the Green Belt is a major issue in my constituency and I will work hard to make sure villages in South Oxfordshire are not swallowed up by the desire of Oxford to build into the Green Belt."

"I have got a great reputation for having stood up for the communities around south Oxfordshire and defending against developments in the Green Belt. I will go the extra mile for the people I represent."

Oxford City Council has made no secret of its desire to see a significant housing development on land south of Grenoble Road, which runs along the edge of Greater Leys. Oxford East MP Andrew Smith, who lives in nearby Blackbird Leys, backs the development proposal.

But Mr Howell hit out at claims made by the Liberal Democrats that he was not the right man to protect the county's countryside, as he had worked for planning consultants Savills Hepher Dixon.

The Conservative MP said: "I have never helped anybody to build on Green Belt land. The only work I have done in the Green Belt is for protesters trying to protect it.

"I take on projects I want to work on and that involves the consultation with communities to make sure they are open and fair and to make sure their voices are heard."

Mr Howell's comments echo those of his predecessor, Mr Johnson, who last year said he would stand in front of bulldozers to protect the Green Belt.

However, Mr Howell's stance has put him on a collision course with Mr Smith.

Mr Smith said last night: "People in Oxford are desperately in need of more housing.

"There aren't enough houses to meet the demand and people are struggling to get a foot on the housing ladder.

"I would want MPs in Oxfordshire to have more understanding of the needs of the city.

"I've had one or two clashes with Boris on this and now I think I'll have one or two clashes with John Howell.

"Where are they suggesting these homes go?"

Oxford City Council's executive member for housing, Ed Turner, said: "The fact is we have a desperate shortage of housing in the city and many people are living in overcrowded, unsuitable accommodation and something must be done. I hope others in south Oxfordshire will be more forward-thinking."