The national planning policy framework is badly drafted and is skewed too far in favour of developers, which will have unintended consequences.

This policy is one our Conservative councillors in Basildon are only too happy to quote and use to their benefit.

They are even prepared to overturn covenant agreements to suit their purposes.

They have tried to stop us in Kent View Road, Vange, from claiming village green status, even though they want that status for Sun Corner, in Billericay.

The electorate have shown these councillors in many ways, including two very successful peaceful protest rallies, that they must think again about building on children’s playing fields, and we will continue to hammer this message home.

I have been to the Lake District and with all the magnificent countryside around, all the villages and towns have their own local and easily-accessible playing fields, parks and recreation grounds. Councillors must put their daggers away, lay down their swords and act like grownups.

That means listening and acting on the majority voices of the said electorate and finding alternative funding.

J D Backham
Paslowes
Vange