I WRITE to express my concerns over reported plans to build houses on the Britford Lane Meadows.

The meadows, which have repeatedly flooded, form an integral part of the natural drainage system into the River Avon. During the winter floods of 2013/2014, they absorbed vast volumes of water that otherwise would have flowed into Salisbury Cathedral Close. This would have made the flooding there worse than the damage we did experience. Even if the houses were built with flood remediation measures for their own protection, development on the site would exacerbate flooding elsewhere, including the cathedral close.

The additional traffic generated by construction and subsequent housing would lead to chaos on the roads surrounding the Close and encourage additional rat run traffic through the Close itself.

The planned development would destroy one of the important green areas that currently provide the superb setting for the Cathedral and its Close. There are valid environmental, historic and amenity reasons for the SAL2 site’s inclusion in a Conservation Area. Consequently, Conservation Area restrictions there should endure.

I am in favour of more affordable housing in Salisbury. It would be better if this housing were made available by renovation of existing derelict and under-used buildings in the town centre and elsewhere, as well as on brownfield sites.

This would be better for the environment, the local economy and social cohesion. It would also allow the preservation of the ancient meadows that serve as part of the city’s natural flood defences and are an important part of our heritage.

Think what Salisbury means to the people who live, work and visit here. Its uniquely unspoilt look and feel are central to its appeal. Gradually building over the surrounding green areas will turn it into simply another overdeveloped provincial urban area without the "rus in urbe" charm that makes this beautiful city so special.

Andy Maslen

Salisbury