FURTHER to the letters of Jean Saunders (SA, October 22) and Sandra Matthews (SA, October 23) regarding the plea by developers to build at Coate.

It seems bizarre to me that recommendations affecting the desecration of our local heritage should be taken by a planning inspectorate in Bristol (last submission to public enquiry by November 4) in view of the obvious resentment to such plans by so many Swindonians and others.

Following the chicanery which led to the loss of PMH, the unfortunate siting of GWH at Commonhead and the ensuing Bath University campus fiasco, I hope the planning inspector, whoever he/she may be, turns down all such development plans.

Despite the advent of the M4 motorway, past Swindon councils have always blocked schemes for this area, even including golf courses.

I think it would be a sad day if any development scheme were allowed on Coate fields, whether via current plans (which could be a red herring) or any subsequent revised or lesser schemes from any quarter, excepting GWH requirements.

Should any partial development be allowed, this would sooner or later result in creeping conurbation as, by example, residents of Wroughton and Wootton Bassett must fear unless electorates and governments wise-up.

K BRAIN Upham Road Swindon