23 Apr 2026
Villagers from communities across the St Albans district were out in force on Saturday to protest over the Government’s plans to concrete over the Green Belt.
The Community Planning Alliance – made up of local campaigners from across the UK – organised a national Day of Action highlighting the urgency of protecting nature, parks and green spaces, with 215 different events across the country.
In Redbourn, Sandridge, Chiswell Green and north St Albans, non-partisan, community-led initiatives aimed to show decision-makers of all parties that nature matters to the electorate, and that safeguarding green spaces is a shared national priority.
Approximately 1,000 homes are planned for a 104-acre open arable site on the northeast edge of Redbourn village, between Dunstable Road, Harpenden Lane and the Redbourn bypass, while the East Hemel development will see 4,000 homes on 975 acres east of Hemel , south of the B487 Hemel Hempstead Road (Redbourn Road) and north of the A4147 St Albans Road.
Meanwhile Sandridge, which dates back to Saxon times, is facing proposals for more than 100 new homes on Green Belt land to the east and west which could push hundreds of cars onto narrow country lanes unsuitable for these levels of traffic.
In Chiswell Green, current plans would grow Chiswell Green from 1,250 households to 2,879 – that’s 1,629 new houses or an increase of 130 per cent – and north St Albans faces a development of 150 homes by Cala Homes on land to the rear of 112-156B Harpenden Road, plus a further 1,000 homes at Woollam Park, land off Sandridgebury Lane between the railway and the Harpenden Road.
Campaign organisations Redbourn Residents Group, Save Our Sandridge, Keep Chiswell Green and Save St Albans Green Belt say they joined the day of action to protect their local Green Belt, countryside and farmland for future generations.
Redbourn saw a procession of tractors and campaigners from Dunstable Road, along the High Street and onto the common, where there was a community event highlighting the value of the local countryside.
A spokesperson for Redbourn Residents Group said: “It was great to see so many villagers expressing their real worries and concerns about the massive housing overdevelopment in and around the village of Redbourn. Many carried placards and banners and supported the farmers’ procession of tractors down the high street.
“This number of houses without infrastructure support, especially road improvements, will bring the neighbourhood to a standstill. Very rare chalk streams will suffer, along with wildlife and we have not been reassured about flooding risk and water supply.
“The Day of Action highlighted the growing voice of dissent towards our local district councillors who do not appear to be considering the implications of their decisions when we see other local authorities taking a stand against this flawed Government policy of ‘grey belt’ to enable such housing overdevelopment.”
Campaign chairman Nick Johnson added: “We’re incredibly proud of the Redbourn community. Well over 300 people turned out to object to the destruction of our village with tractors, walkers and families all getting involved.
The energy and support were genuinely brilliant.
“A huge thank you to Pauline Willis and Deanna Barge for the fantastic work organising the day. The planning, coordination and effort that went into it really showed, and it’s a big part of why it was such a success.
“Days like this really matter. They turn concern into action and make it clear that people care deeply about protecting the Green Belt. It sends a strong, visible message that can’t be ignored.
“We’re already seeing national recognition, with Redbourn being picked up more widely, and that momentum is building. We’re also starting to see progress elsewhere, with some grey belt sites being rejected, which is encouraging.
“Now we need St Albans City and District Council to follow suit. The message is clear. Protect what matters and get development in the right places.”
Parish council chairman Cllr David Mitchell said: “The Redbourn Day of Action was a big opportunity for residents to show how much we love our local Green Belt. The message was simple, we don’t want 5,000 new houses in Redbourn, and we will do all we can to oppose this overdevelopment of our countryside.
“The leader of St Albans district council has said the emerging Local Plan is only allocating new housing to the ‘least valuable’ Green Belt. That is simply not true.
“The council’s own Green Belt Review says the Green Belt in Redbourn is amongst the MOST valuable and should NOT be used for development. Local farmers will also tell you that this area has some of the best agricultural land in the country and we can’t afford to lose land like this if we want food to eat.
“Of course, we need new housing, but we shouldn’t be sacrificing beautiful rural villages like Redbourn to urban expansion. We don’t want to be part of an increasing Greater London. Redbourn sits within the Chiltern Hills and if we lose all this wonderful countryside, we lose a part of our heritage, and the reason we all live here. The Redbourn Day of Action sent a clear message to both SADC and the Government. Let’s hope they are listening!”
Some of the comments from Redbourn residents included: “We were so pleased with the very large turnout and the enthusiasm from everybody who participated and carrying many placards and banners. It was a real community atmosphere. Annie’s jazz band and the ReVerbs Ukelele band all added to this very happy day of fun and showing that we care about our Redbourn village.”
“Well done to all showed up to show we care out our village.”
“Fabulous turnout. Redbourn is a lovely place to live and should not be under this assault”
“We showed we care about the village. We don’t want an urban sprawl.”
In Sandridge, a human chain running the length of the high street encouraged motorists to back their campaign to protect the local Green Belt.
Save Our Sandridge spokesperson Laura Garner said: “For many in the village, the first sign something unusual was happening was the sound of car horns echoing through the streets. The honking was no accident – drivers were sounding their support as part of a coordinated effort to raise awareness and show solidarity for the cause.
“The event drew a fantastic turnout, bringing together people from all walks of life in a shared mission to protect the environment and preserve the Green Belt that defines the area.”
Sandridge resident Tasha explained why she took part: “I’ve lived in Sandridge since 2012, it’s a lovely village, but this was the first time I had seen so many different threads of the community come together to form a true community voice, demonstrating a common concern and love for the green spaces and environment that we are lucky to live in. One purpose, one voice, with no generational, cultural, religious or racial borders. The day was exciting, energised and a great reinvigorating of community spirit on all fronts.”
She said Chris Perry from CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) praised the initiative and strong turnout, noting that encouraging passing drivers to honk helped spread the message far beyond the village while creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.
The day also included a more tranquil second activity – a community dog walk through the local Green Belt. The 90-minute walk offered a peaceful contrast to the earlier energy, with participants joining and leaving the route.
Lisa Donovan, engagement manager at Tara’s Retreat Care Home, highlighted the impact on residents: “Our residents felt a real part of the community. It triggered nostalgic chats about their houses, flooding and the detriment of losing our green spaces to local communities. The fact that it was something they had never done before gave them a voice. It gave them a real sense of purpose!”
Laura added: “Throughout the day there was a strong sense of connection, with neighbours chatting, new friendships forming, and members of the Save Our Sandridge (SOS) group meeting more residents. Organisers were praised for delivering a well-coordinated and uplifting event, which many described as both enjoyable and meaningful.
“The team would like to extend our thanks to all who contributed, including the residents and carers of Tara’s Retreat and the team at the Village Tea Rooms for hosting their residents; Sandridge Village School pupils for their creative posters; Pete Atkins and Claire Waters Photography for capturing the day; Susanne Meakins for producing banners; and local pubs for displaying posters in support.
“The National Day of Action highlighted the importance of protecting Sandridge’s green spaces and showcased the strength and unity of a community determined to defend them – sending a clear message that this place matters, that nature matters, and that communities like ours have a voice.
“Across the country, communities like ours are speaking up. We are saying clearly: we want an end to unnecessary greenfield development. We want nature to be prioritised – not diminished, not sidelined, and certainly not attacked.”
Both the Redbourn and Sandridge demonstrations were attended by Harpenden MP Victoria Collins, who said: “Joining communities in Redbourn and Sandridge has been really special, showing the strength of feeling to protect our precious landscapes.
“Whether championing protections against sewage pollution or fighting to stop speculative development on precious green spaces, we Liberal Democrats have been clear in advocating for ambitious action to preserve our natural environment.
“That’s why I’ve been campaigning week-in-week-out in Parliament against the top-down development from the Labour Government, against the gre ybelt definition that has given developers a green light and the lack of powers for local councils and communities.
“Whilst communities across the country are demanding improvements, we Liberal Democrats are continuing to deliver these wherever possible, and pressing the Government to do the same.”
Shirani Ledger McCarthy from Keep Chiswell Green said: “Our coordination wasn’t perfect so we ended up with four groups, but the message was clear – Chiswell Green does not support the Government’s plans to destroy the Green Belt!
“We know some people are feeling despondent about the Government’s relentless attacks on our green spaces and on nature; one of our local residents said this week, ‘The Government and the planners are not listening’. However, with a view that KCG fully endorses, his neighbour replied, ‘But we have to keep trying or they will have nothing to listen to!’
“Thank you again to all those who came out to join us for Saturday’s event, and particularly to the young man who made and brought his own sign. We need to save nature for our children’s future.”
Gee Smedley from Team CLASH, representing Save North St Albans Green Belt said: “Thank you to everyone who has supported us in the last few weeks!
“CLASH have engaged with the Local Plan, planning applications, the local government ombudsman and directly with technical consultees of the applications. On Saturday we had a small but very welcome and dedicated last minute turn out including Green Party councillor Juliet Voisey, and election candidates Claire Gilbert and Damian Gaskin.
“If any politician – local or national – tells you that Green Belt must be sacrificed for housing, they are 100 per cent wrong!
“We support the Community Planning Alliance in their efforts at a national level to stop this devastating approach to planning policy.”
