Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden is "delighted" with new reforms introduced by the Government to help protect Green Belt land and change housing targets.

Earlier this week, the housing secretary Michael Gove, announced a long-term plan for housing, which included immediate major reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework.

Councils will no longer be forced to set aside prime Green Belt land to meet future housing targets, and they will have to power to prevent development taking place if it would significantly alter the character of an area or impinge on the green belt.

The National Planning Policy Framework will also now explicitly state that top-down housing targets are advisory and not mandatory.

In addition, local authority league tables will be published to reveal the real performance of planning authorities, and to ensure there is increased accountability and rigorous inspection.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Michael Gove introduced the reforms earlier this week.Michael Gove introduced the reforms earlier this week. (Image: PA Images/PA Wire)

Mr Dowden admitted he was "delighted" with the reforms, and believes they will help preserve Hertsmere's Green Belt land.

"Here in Hertsmere, we are exceptional in that almost all the borough’s undeveloped land is Green Belt," he said.

"Until now, we have been constrained by heavy handed housing targets, which force inappropriate decisions on local councils without any consideration of our individual circumstances in Hertsmere.

"I have been determined in my campaign to get the housing secretary to look again at its approach to planning in Hertsmere.

"I am therefore delighted that the Government have confirmed major reforms to the planning system, which will protect against development on green belt land.

"Hertsmere Borough Council will no longer be forced to set aside prime Green Belt land to meet future housing targets.

"They will also be able to prevent development taking place if it would significantly alter the character of an area or impinge on the Green Belt.

"The National Planning Policy Framework will also now explicitly state that top-down housing targets are advisory not mandatory, something that I have been campaigning greatly for.

"I will continue to prioritise the protection of our local countryside, which I know so many residents value."