The robust opposition to the new government planning laws by Dorchester Town Council (Echo, October 8) is welcome and representative of growing concerns regarding the unleashing of a free for all approach to house building in Dorset.

Make no mistake; the county that we all value and cherish is now under threat from large scale housing development.

Dorchester itself is facing the likelihood of a massive 3,500 house housing development north of Dorchester, overlooking the unique water meadows of the River Frome. The case against such a programme is overwhelming on every front but under the new planning rules there is every possibility that local needs will be pushed aside in the desire by Dorset planners to impose the government’s “Build, Build, Build” policy.

In January local people will have a single opportunity to halt the Dorchester development.

Dorset Council will publish their local plan for consultation. At this point the public will have the chance to voice their opposition to the 3,500 houses.

When the time comes those who care about the future of the county town must ensure that they demonstrate their opposition to this inappropriate, unnecessary and unwanted development. Failure to do this will allow the skewed demands of central government to blight our county town, not just now, but for future generations.

DAVID GARGRAVE

Martinstown