The countryside is increasingly at risk from inappropriate development caused by inadequate planning policies, a weakening of local democracy and a focus on short-term economic growth regardless of the environmental consequences.

The Government’s localism agenda has been seriously undermined and I am deeply concerned that local views are being ignored to the detriment of valued and irreplaceable countryside.

While I recognise the need for economic prosperity, should this be pursued at any cost to the environment?

I encourage readers to sign the Campaign to Protect Rural England’s new charter which demands better protection for the countryside, a fair say for local communities in planning for the places where they live and work, and more housing – in the right places at www.saveour countryside.org.uk.

Paul Baker, Broadleas Road, Devizes.