We write to protest, in the strongest possible terms, against the proposal of the building of houses by Redrow behind the Minster Church in Warminster.

This area is one of the last beautiful and natural remaining areas left within the spreading metropolis of Warminster. It is a haven for wildlife and wonderful walks for the locals. It is deeply depressing to think we might lose this most wonderful area to yet more houses. Why is it always down to profits before people?

Most of the local residents are wholly against it. In fact we have not met one single person who is for it.

We walk within this area daily, and have regularly seen roe deer, foxes, water voles and innumerable species of birds, plus the resident bats in the trees. The beautiful matured trees lining Dorothy Walk are the most majestic avenue of trees in Warminster. Between the Bath Road industrial estates and the sprawl of Warminster remains this last idyllic pocket of paradise, just let it be preserved for the future generations of the town. It has a very special and spiritual ambience around the historical church.

The development will increase more heavy traffic to the area, causing environmental pollution and noise, and disturb the natural flood plain. There is regular flooding occurring in the meadows and paths in the area. How will our already over-burdened infrastructure of schools, doctors, emergency services, employment, etc, cope? The whole road system will need serious consideration to ensure the safety of the local private schoolchildren.

On Redrow’s plans, they state there is a conservation area next to the proposed development when, in fact, it is a graveyard.

Warminster is already twinned with Flers in France. Perhaps we should re-think our twinning strategy, and pair up with Bradley Stoke, one of Redrow’s previous developments, as we will have a lot in common with that place and this is indicative of how we may become.

Tim and Clare Hancock, Church Street Mews, Church Street, Warminster.