Letter: We are all doomed unless we stop the council's Shrewsbury masterplan

I have never written a letter to a newspaper before, but my conscience dictates that I must.

I am not a NIMBY, nor am I a tree hugger, although there is nothing wrong in being either. I do though, live on the edge of this proposed development.

I fully accept that times change and we need more housing, but to cover every available space from Churncote Island to the Severn Trent complex along the Welshpool Road, which will be sealed off at said island, is nothing short of insanity.

Oh and let's not forget the 'road to nowhere' that is also to be built. Is this the first spur of the much argued North West Relief Road? Those of us who are lucky enough to live in this area are aware that just because we live in the countryside, we do not own it but we all have a duty to respect and protect it. Give more than just a passing thought to the wildlife, hedgerows and glorious mature trees that will be lost forever.

If approved, the first phase of this destruction – 400 houses – would start in early 2014 and eventually be joined by more houses, apartments, offices, extended business park, medical research laboratories and anything else they can throw into the mix.

Shrewsbury is a unique medieval town of which we are all proud, it sits in one of the most beautiful parts of England. What a fine welcome visitors will get – urban sprawl from every approach. Look what has already happened to Ditherington, Sundorne, Harlescott and Battlefield.

We and Ottley Road seem doomed to follow the same fate unless we and fellow Salopians say 'Enough is enough'. Please give us your support before it is too late, before every vacant space within the bypass is grabbed for development.

View for yourselves the Shrewsbury West Sustainable Urban Extension (SWSUE) 'masterplan'.

If you feel as strongly as I do, let our council know by writing to the Planning Policy Team, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY2 6ND.

Alma Bromley

Shrewsbury