Why I’ve written to the Minister and why I’m not giving up
Independent District Councillor Rue Grewal responds to the Minister’s recent letter.
[See previous post: IMPORTANT: Local Plan Reg 19 Suspended]
I wanted to share the attached letter with you directly and explain why, as an Independent Councillor, I felt it was important to act.
Like many of you, I was deeply disappointed by the Minister’s letter on the Local Plan. I know how long this road has been, how much time, energy and goodwill residents have poured into this process, and how exhausting it can feel to face renewed uncertainty after so much hard work.
I have chosen to act independently because I believe in this community and in doing what I feel is right, not what suits a party line. Being an Independent means I do not have a political machine behind me, but it also means I have the freedom and responsibility to speak plainly, to challenge when needed, and to stand up for residents without hesitation. That is a privilege I take very seriously.
Over the past few years, this has been a long and demanding journey. I have dedicated a great deal of time and energy to protecting our green spaces and shaping a Local Plan that is evidence-based, collaborative and grounded in reality. I know many of you have done the same. What we have achieved together should not be underestimated, and we should all be immensely proud of the work that has been done.
More than that, I genuinely believe we have built something important along the way. We have strengthened relationships, worked constructively across communities, and, at least for me, made new friends. That matters, and it will matter even more in what comes next.
I am sharing my letter with you so that you know, clearly and unequivocally, that I am not giving up. I may not have a party behind me, but I have conviction, evidence, and a community I care deeply about. This moment may require a rethink, but it does not require surrender.
We have come too far for that.
Thank you, as always, for your trust, your partnership and your resilience. I remain committed to standing with you and continuing this work together.
With very best wishes,
Cllr Rue Grewal
Independent District Councillor for Carpenders Park
Independent Group Leader, Three Rivers District Council
Read her full letter here: https://rickmansworthresidents.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Letter-to-Matthew-Pennycook-MP-v3.pdf