The introduction of the green belt in 1948 achieved much in conserving quality countryside.

However, the price the country has paid for this restriction is that it seriously curtailed the supply of decent, affordable housing.

All overseas people who have wanted to settle here, and many school leavers who want to own homes near their families, can rarely find anything suitably priced.

It is therefore unfair and selfish for residents in Hullbridge to say they do not want to see more homes built.

Do they realise their own properties were once green belt and that without some limited expansion into adjoining areas, the situation will get worse?

Towns and villages have to adapt. The alternative is the loss of shops and post offices as commercial stagnation sets in.

With less development land available, perhaps their preference is for new towns or tower blocks.

This has already been tried and proved a social failure.

With today’s pressure on accommodation, a measured release of peripheral green belt is necessary for the growth and well-being of future populations.

People should not be allowed to create closed shop locations at the expense of others.

Thomas Welsh
Castle Road
Rayleigh