I am writing to state my objections to the proposed development of housing on Bethewine's Farmland in Fishbourne. This is probably the third letter have written over the years and my objections have not changed. Indeed, the recent high level of housing in Fishbourne has demonstrated that they are valid as much of the local area has already been spoiled, changing Fishbourne from a village into a sprawling housing development surrounded by roads which are becoming 'rat runs', making them dangerous and causing long delays to travel.

1. My first objection is that this would be on prime farmland. It is well documented that we could reach the tipping point for the beginnings of a runaway climate change. There are many examples of Britain's government's inability to take action to prevent this, despite the fact that other nations, such as Cuba, have rolled out national schemes. Using prime agricultural land for building houses, as in this case, is another example of short­ sightedness. Instead, we should be sustaining this valuable land so that the people of Britain may be more secure in terms of food and energy supplies in order to be able to weather the economic and environmental changes that are taking place.

2. Secondly, it is stated that the Local Plan Policies 'will ensure that protected habitats and species will not be harmed as a result of new development' and it 'will also protect existing open spaces'. Bethewine's Farm is teaming with wildlife (some of which may be protected) and this site is one of the only remaining open spaces in Fishbourne, housing development having already spoiled many of the fields and farmland. Mention was made of providing alternative spaces, but nothing could replace the views across the farmland which we, who appreciate the countryside and bought properties here because of this, currently take pleasure in. Just yesterday, there was another scientific report about the benefit of the countryside on people's mental health, another issue which appears to be high on the current agenda . Building on this site could, therefore, be detrimental to the mental health of local residents.

3. My third objection is that the resources and infrastructure are already overstretched. I understand that Fishbourne has been chosen as a suitable site because it has the infrastructure required. This infrastructure may have been sufficient for Fishbourne as it was. However, since have lived in Fishbourne (28 years) have seen Salthill Road and Clay Lane turned from country lanes into main roads where traffic travels in excess of 50 mph. The crossroads around the area are now dangerous for pedestrians and drivers and, at peak times, it can take an hour to drive from Fishbourne to the other side of Chichester. The local school is full already, with many local children unable to be accepted.

4. My fourth point relates specifically to Blackboy Lane, which understand was built specifically as a lane - not a road- so that it does not have the appropriate structure to accommodate the amount of traffic it would receive. To upgrade this, in addition to the assumed cost of upgrading the railway crossing, would cause extra expense, not to mention the upheaval it would cause. My house has an open ditch running outside and this floods regularly. Presumably, this would need to be covered over, causing additional expense and inconvenience.

5. Flooding is another concern. It has been an issue for Fishbourne for many years and it is well-documented that the sewage works at Appledram are already unable to manage at the current level. Anyone driving anywhere near it in the summer months would be aware of the stench as they sit for hours in a traffic jam attempting to reach the beach via this road which has become a rat-run.

6. It is unclear to me why Bethewine's Farm would be chosen for development rather than the land on the north side of the A259 just west of Tharfield Kennels. I understand that the landowners (I believe Langmead Farm) are keen to sell this land whilst the owner of Bethewine's Farm does not and this situation has occurred because of a past relative signing a document whilst in a mentally unstable state of mind. After all, there has been such a lot of development along the A259 already, that the amount of traffic to be generated by this development (which understand has been estimated by the Police to ensure that traffic will be backed up to the Bosham roundabout at peak times) would at least be able to use the Main Road to queue rather than blocking the already busy lane which Blackboy Lane has become.

My final objection is a purely selfish one. Like many of the local residents, moved to Fishbourne because wanted to live in a quiet, rural part of the countryside, where there was a good community feeling, not a sprawling, soulless suburb or 'hub' for Chichester and will do everything in my power to ensure that Fishbourne remains the former.