WE object in the strongest possible terms to the intervention in this local planning issue by the Vice Chancellor of Bath University, Glynis Breakwell.

We believe that the term blackmail is not too emotive to describe the unwarranted threat made that, 'It will be built where we want it, or not at all.'

There may be benefits for Swindon in having a university.

But we are absolutely against yet further unnecessary concreting over of the countryside, particularly as the opportunistic gifting of land by Persimmon Homes and Redrow is self-evidently in order that it will boost their chances of building on this important greenfield site.

The decision about whether we wish to see yet more countryside disappear should be made by the people who live in the borough, not by third parties who have no connection with the area - unless the Vice Chancellor is intending to move into one of the 1,800 houses proposed for Coate by Swindon Borough Council, as part of its late draft amendments to the 2011Local Plan?

These amendments speak of supplementary development at Coate and would give over a further 100 hectares (250 acres) for the university (60 hectares), commercial development (35 hectares in addition to the park and ride site), the hospital (a further five hectares) plus 1,800 dwellings.

It really is time for Swindon to stop its ever outwards expansion and to concentrate in improving the infrastructure of the existing built environment to the real benefit of the residents of the town and its surrounding villages.

Rosemary & Martin Savage

Wanborough