Sir, I feel the ‘Firm offers playing field’ PR puff published in the Herald must not go unchallenged. When Ken Dijksman and Linden Homes put in their application for building on the green-field site behind St Michael’s, in Steventon, they had scheduled building up to the school’s current boundary.

Despite vociferous objections from Steventon Parish Council and residents regarding flooding and extra traffic, the political context was such that the Vale planning committee meeting gave permission in a decision which shocked all villagers present.

A subsequent application to double the size of the development has now been made, but Linden are willing to gift some of the original land for a playing field extension on the condition that the parish council undertakes not to object.

The original concerns of locals regarding traffic around the school at in- and out-muster are amplified by the extra movements from the second tranche of housing using the very narrow roads (without turning places) which Linden want the cars to be encouraged to use.

Linden’s other suggestions of traffic mitigation are impractical and/or beyond their behest. What was always going to be an increase to the risks around the primary school environs would now become intolerable were they to get their way.

Linden are not friends of Steventon School or village, their self-promoting ‘largesse’ simply demonstrates how well practised they are in the use of ransom and playing the planning system — hardly surprising as Mr Dijksman once was a Vale planning officer.

Perhaps the planning committee this time will show more character in their decision making. You will note that their press release was for the editions that came out leaving little time for comment before the deadline to object, which was by the end of Wednesday, July 2, on application number P14/V119/FUL.

Derek Rees

Stonebridge Road

Steventon