Serving the community
About me
I’ve lived in Underhill with my family for over 24 years and have spent many of those years working alongside local residents to protect and improve our community.
Protecting our green spaces
One of the first issues I became involved in was the protection of a seven-acre Green Belt playing field that was at risk of being leased to an out-of-area amateur football team and fenced off from public use.
Working with residents, I helped organise the campaign to register the land as a Village Green, ensuring it would remain protected for community use.
The council opposed the application, leading to a three-day public inquiry where they were represented by a QC barrister. We had no legal representation - only the evidence I compiled on behalf of the community.
After a five-year campaign, the Planning Inspector ruled in our favour and the land was successfully registered as a Village Green.
You can read more about this here:
https://quintavillagegreenresidents.org.uk/f/quinta-village-green-residents-association-news-clippings
My Priorities for Underhill
My focus is simple:
To address the issues that residents have already told me aren’t working.
Over the past few years, I’ve been working alongside residents, businesses and local groups to challenge decisions that haven’t reflected the needs of our community - particularly around parking and local consultation.
That work will continue.
Alongside this, I want to focus on protecting what matters most in Underhill and building a stronger, more resilient community for the future.
Fix what’s not working
Fair, evidence-based parking policies
Parking schemes must be properly justified, transparent, and reflect the real needs of residents and local businesses - not imposed without clear evidence.
Supporting local shops and businesses
Local parades like Mays Lane are vital to our community. Policies should support footfall and accessibility, not discourage people from stopping and using them.
Greater transparency and accountability
Residents deserve clear, accessible information about how decisions are made - and meaningful opportunities to shape them before they happen.
Protect what matters
Protecting and enhancing the Green Belt
Our green spaces are one of Underhill’s greatest assets. I will continue to protect them from inappropriate development while supporting nature recovery and biodiversity.
The right homes in the right places
We need genuinely affordable housing - but in the right locations. That means prioritising brownfield sites and ensuring new development respects the character of the area.
Bringing empty homes back into use
At a time when housing is in demand, existing empty properties should be brought back into use wherever possible.
Build a stronger community
A stronger community voice
Residents, schools, businesses and local groups should be properly involved in decisions that affect them - not just consulted after the fact.
Tackling local crime and safety concerns
Working with police and residents to address issues such as car theft, improve prevention, and ensure better support for victims.
A more sustainable Underhill
Encouraging practical, local solutions - from food growing and community energy projects to more sustainable approaches in homes, schools and businesses.
Working with residents, not above them
I’m not standing to introduce policies from the top down.
I’m standing to work with residents, reflect what matters locally, and make sure Underhill has a strong, independent voice in the decisions that affect us all.
