I AM writing to express my, and my husband’s, dismay at the proposed development on the Greenfield site adjoining Britford Lane on land that is currently owned by Longford Estate and St Nicholas Hospital Trust.

Thankfully, we are not alone in this. Both Salisbury City Council and Salisbury City Planning Committee have unanimously objected to the proposal in the initial consultation. All local councillors are against it too. There has been a huge public outcry both locally and across Salisbury area.

This particular Conservation Area has long been a natural beauty spot and is a much needed ‘green lung’ for the City of Salisbury. Hundreds of visitors and locals alike benefit from easy access into the Wiltshire countryside. This Arcadian landscape provides a stunning setting for the approach to the City and the meadows themselves a part of a historic unspoilt view of our Cathedral. These must be preserved for future generations.

I am amazed that they are considering building a development on land which is routinely subject to flooding. These fields are an integral part of the local area's natural drainage system and acts as a buffer for Britford Village, Cathedral Close and the stretches of land in between.

Ironically, one of the areas prone to the risk of flooding through rising underground water levels, is that of St Nicholas Hospital.

Traffic congestion and air pollution have long been a problem for the busy Newbridge Road area. Additional cars will only exacerbate the issue. Concerns have been raised regarding access for emergency vehicles to and from the hospital and ambulance station close by. Burford Avenue is already a rat run for cars wishing to bypass the queues. As this is a residential area where many small children live, there are grave concerns about safety to and from school.

Whilst we appreciate that more houses need to be built, I would question the viability of this particular location. There are other suitable sites which would provide affordable housing without endangering the fragile flood system or valued conservation areas. Many of the sites have ready access to main roads.

As a venerable Christian charity, I am sure that St Nicholas would want to safeguard their reputation with regards to the local community. Maximising the capital value of this particular field or ‘asset’ in the short-term may well will leave them with a far less desirable long term legacy.

SW Manners and JE Manners

Salisbury