I WOULD like to ask if there is anyone who knows whether or not it is this Government's intention to turn North Wiltshire into a housing estate?

Judging by what I have seen so far I cannot think of any other reason why there are 9,000 houses being built in Swindon's Northern development, 4,500 houses being proposed for Swindon's Southern development, 1,800 houses proposed at Coate Water and 1,250 to be built elsewhere west of Swindon. This adds up to a staggering 16,550 homes.

There is no doubt there is a need for housing. But it beggars belief building on this scale is intended to address those needs.

So can somebody tell me what is going on here?

Having seen the list of participants for the Examination in Public where this issue was addressed, it comes as no surprise to discover the majority of participants were developers, their agents, their consultants and their federations.

How can a balanced decision have been made with so many self-interested parties involved?

Who was there to represent me and other residents of North Wiltshire who will have to live with the consequences of this decision?

I find it shocking such a decision can be made based on a majority of profiteers who have managed to twist the arm of local government.

I cannot believe residents of West Swindon, Purton, The Lydiards and Wootton Bassett would vote for it and I dread to think what the area will be like in 16 years time.

G MASON

Wootton Bassett