WE are writing in response to the letter from Pauline Jolliffe (May 16). We were both born in Bere Alston and now have young families of our own. We have lived here most of our lives and certainly would not expect property to be built just because we are local.

We seem to be bringing our children up in a society that expects everything handed to them on a plate. House prices are the same all over the area, not just here. The proposed development at Woolacombe Cross is not for local people. It may contain a limited number of rented accommodation, but much of it will be expensive private dwellings.

We are making a stand against developers who are just trying to cash in on our beautiful area and in doing so, are ruining the very reason that we want to live here.

Judging by the petition circulating Bere Alston, this is a unanimous feeling, not only among the elderly retired, but young families and local people like ourselves who feel that the Bere parish has done enough to provide homes for West Devon — after all, there are 49 infill developments either being constructed or in the pipeline now.

Raymond Piper, Wendy Kingwell

Addresses supplied

I AGREE with Pauline Jolliffe that more needs to be done to help the local first-time buyer but those supporting the proposed development at Bere Alston on the basis that it will help their young people get on the property ladder may be disappointed. I understand that 'affordable housing' within the context of the draft proposal to mean rented

accommodation

The planning department, property developers and landowners alike must accept some of the blame for the current shortage. There has been a preference for executive detached properties and all the profits that go with them.

A better policy would be to provide starter homes within infill sites incorporating them into established areas. Perhaps those selling off parts of their unwanted gardens for additional development may wish to consider this and the needs of the local people.

Future generations will not thank us for building estates on areas of outstanding natural beauty. Once lost they will be lost forever.

Julie Fox

6 The Down

Bere Alston