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Now that the national economic model based on bank fraud has been found wanting and despite our inglorious politicians attempts to revive this model, it would be criminal to sacrifice any agricultural land where it was unnecessary or possible to do otherwise. In the not too distant future I foresee the need to provide a larger proportion of the nations food resources from our own land. Therefore the destruction of farmland to build houses should not be an option and I do not believe it to be necessary.

I have noted that the development at Portobello the site of the old Potterton facility is some way off being fully occupied, so I would question the need for large additional amounts of housing. Nor do I see any great draw pulling people into the area as I see that businesses are closing for example Pottertons and Fords have closed sites employing large numbers of people. Perhaps it would have been more appropriate to build houses on the old Ford site rather than another supermarket? The requirement for another supermarket is doubtful to say the least even though I personally have a preference for Morrisons. They do not create jobs as is often claimed, they just move them around.

Developers are always keen to build on green field and hence green belt sites because they can sell these properties at a premium and they can be easier to construct once permission is obtained. Decisions should not be made by democratically elected persons that favour the short term interests of the few at the expense of the long term interests of the many. However this frequently happens and it leaves the motives of the elected persons open to question or suspicion.

I therefore conclude that all plans involving incursions into the Green Belt or destruction of farmland should be rejected.