I write in response to recent correspondence expressing concern about our proposals to redevelop the former Officers Field on Portland.

This is part of the wider regeneration activity that we and our partners are undertaking at Osprey Quay which was bought by the South West RDA following the closure of the Royal Naval Air Station in 1999.

That activity seeks to provide for employment growth, more housing, tourism, leisure and recreation, community facilities and the venue for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games sailing events, and represents a significant opportunity to deliver a wide range of benefits to the community of Portland.

In developing out the site at Osprey Quay one of the key principles has been to open up the area for access by the local community, removing the razor wire and security features of a military base, creating a well used waterfront walkway and several large public open spaces (either now provided or planned).

The RDA has also contributed towards the refurbishment of the former naval Boscawen sports centre to provide indoor recreational facilities for local residents.

Although we have plans to develop part of the Officers Field, a senior sized football pitch will be retained as the importance of this facility was recognised when planning permission was approved for the Osprey Quay master plan in 2002.

This pitch has been available for public use since 2003. There is therefore no intention of losing the whole site to housing and given our pressing need for new high quality homes and affordable housing - and I know this is a particular pressure in Dorset - I believe this strikes the right balance.

Because we own the site, we can influence the design of the new housing development and have already stated our aspiration for it to be a low-carbon scheme of the highest quality.

We will of course work with the local community in the design process once a developer has been appointed.

I have also heard concerns about the impact this development could have on emerging proposals for a new combined primary school at Osprey Quay. The answer is none as we have pledged to make land available should a suitable scheme be forthcoming.

I understand the importance that local communities place on green space and recreation space and I would like to reiterate our commitment to retaining such space at the heart of the Officers Field development.

Bruce Voss, Head of Regeneration, South West RDA, Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset.