NOTICES have been placed today in our cul-de-sac and surrounding roads here in Hedge End indicating that building is to commence in the near future in the large field adjacent to our residences.

We are asked to comment upon the plans that the builders have submitted for the imminent construction of houses upon the 94- unit scheme. We are invited to make comments to the chosen builders “so that we may fine-tune it to your liking”. Pardon me being cynical, but I feel that it is insulting our intelligence to imply that there has been a genuine element of democratic involvement regarding the whole concept of the extensive building proposals in and around Hedge End.

Admittedly, the council has convened the occasional meeting and plans have been displayed around the vast area where these houses are to be located.

An overwhelming proportion of residents has already expressed their severe reservations or downright opposition to the scheme. However, despite all that, their objections were ignored and the development was endorsed. Why here? There are many parts of the country where barely a brick has been laid for decades.

One’s immediate reaction to this may be “here’s another bunch of Nimbys objecting to anyone daring to oppose sensible development”. To those people I would say this – in the years that I have lived here, the population has trebled. It now stands at 27,000 and rising. Our one-time village now boasts the largest secondary school in Hampshire. The word ‘infrastructure’ has become a dirty word. Furthermore this expansion of our community was stated to be scheduled over a period of 15 years and only reach completion in 2027. Are they serious?

RON BURLINGHAM, Hedge End.