We totally agree with the views of Councillors Hannah David and Andrew Goldstein (‘We understand your concerns’, Your Views, October 14).

Elstree and Borehamwood Green Belt Society supports brownfield and town centre development and accepts the need for well planned and well designed housing for all — even if as a very last resort that means some loss of Green Belt. This, however, should not be necessary in Hertsmere where brownfield sites are available.

It is deeply frustrating and disillusioning when planning procedures have been completed and a decision made by democratic local process, to have all that overthrown by a Government planning inspector as in the recent case of the Park Street rail freight interchange.

It is particularly unjust that cash-strapped councils have to bear the heavy legal costs of opposing repeated appeals by developers who only have to persevere until local authority money runs out. Democracy is not well served.

Ann Goddard
Chairman Elstree and Borehamwood Green Belt Society