Simon Fidler was elected as councillor for Ashley Green and Whelpley Hill on 4 December 2025, focused on transparency, open communication and fair representation—especially on planning matters that affect every neighbour.
Simon has recently retired from a long career in business leadership across financial services and compliance, bringing a practical, accountable approach to decision-making. He and his wife Paulette have made Ashley Green their home and have lived in the village for 11 years. He’s active in village life—supporting local events, walking the footpaths with their white Maltese dog Dolly, and enjoying our green spaces.
Professionally, Simon is an accomplished leader with significant supervisory, risk, regulatory and financial experience—skills that translate directly to thorough oversight and clear governance in a parish council setting and ensuring that the best use is made of our local funds. He also has experience dealing with public bodies and is able to interpret rules and regulations, ensuring they are practically implemented—useful for assessing planning applications, Bucks Local Plan and the Ashley Green Neighbourhood Plan. He is looking forward to being given the opportunity to represent all the residents of Ashley Green and Whelpley Hill.
Independent
No party whip—decisions based on what’s best for Ashley Green.
Approachable
Happy to meet any resident to listen and help.
Experienced
Decades of business leadership, compliance and financial oversight.
Local
Committed to protecting the character of our parish and surrounding hamlets.
Since being elected as councillor for Ashley Green and Whelpley Hill, Simon has focused on listening to residents, improving transparency around council business, and laying the foundations for clearer communication on planning matters.
Making council activity easier to understand, with plain‑English explanations of decisions and regular opportunities for residents to ask questions.
Improving visibility of planning applications and policy changes, and encouraging early community awareness and involvement through Planning Watch.
Listening to concerns across the parish and ensuring residents’ views are documented and reflected in council discussions.
Planning is complex—and important. Done well, it lets us shape the right kind of development for our parish. Done badly, it divides communities. Simon will work to make the process clear, inclusive and constructive.
Ashley Green is developing a Neighbourhood Plan. If done properly, it can identify where development is appropriate and protect what we value. If done poorly, it risks conflict and low support. Simon will champion full transparency throughout and meaningful involvement for every resident.
Simon will meet any resident who wants to be heard and will document and present your views at council. Alongside face-to-face conversations, he’ll maintain an online forum and an email update list so nobody is left out of the loop.
With Buckinghamshire’s Local Plan under consultation and wider debates about Green Belt and so-called “grey belt” land, development pressures are evolving. Simon will keep residents informed about applications and policy changes and will prioritise the parish’s voice in responses.
Parish councils exist to serve the community. Simon will advocate open meetings, accessible documents, and clear explanations of decisions—encouraging more residents to attend and take part.
Sign up to receive email updates when new planning applications are submitted that affect Ashley Green and Whelpley Hill, along with plain‑English summaries and opportunities to share your views.
We use Netlify Forms to securely collect sign‑ups. Your email address will only be used for Planning Watch updates.
This is designed to support an informed, constructive conversation about planning—so residents are never surprised by proposals.
28 January • 7.30pm start
Whelpley Hill Coronation Hall
Residents are encouraged to attend to hear updates, raise questions and take part in local decision-making.
Use this form to send Simon a message about planning or other village issues. Your message will be received via Netlify Forms.
This is a personal, independent campaign website and is not affiliated with any political party.