Despite 35,000 people sending in their concerns to the government over its damaging proposals (in its Regional Spatial Strategy) for 500,000 new houses to be built throughout the south-west – with 250,000 of those destined for green spaces and green belt land – it seems determined to press ahead regardless.

This will mean that an area of green space twice the size of Exeter could be built on.

What does it take to make the government listen to local people and realise that we don’t want our beautiful countryside ruined?

Of course there is a need for more homes – mainly those that local people can afford – just not the number the government’s proposing. Also the focus must be on regenerating our towns before fields and countryside are built on. The government is due to publish its final decision on the future of the south-west very soon. What’s at stake are our precious green spaces and wonderful open countryside.

I urge everyone reading this to make their voice heard before it’s too late. Email the minister, John Denham, as soon as you can to let him know you don’t want our countryside to be eaten up: saveourgreenspaces.org
Mrs PAULA TAYLOR, Fox Hills, Lytchett Matravers