I would like to add my voice to those who are horrified that the historic land bordering onto Coate may be built upon with yet another sprawling housing development so many of which have given Swindon its deserved reputation of being soulless.

Before this development plan is rubber-stamped, the committee involved should take some time out to read a few pages of Richard Jefferies book The Old House at Coate so at least they will be aware what they are destroying. In memory of this writer, whom Swindon always includes in its list of famous people, this little bit of country-side should be preserved.

If these plans go ahead it will be nothing short of environmental vandalism, yet again.

T J Simpson

Swindon