• CAMDEN planners in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s evaluated the amount of open space and play space needed in an area that the council was building in and made sure that there was enough of it. People’s needs have not evaporated – they still exist.

When Camden now builds on a play space or open space previously provided by the considered actions of planners, they are depriving the community of a valuable resource.

Camden will never be able to meet housing need in this borough, an inner city area that will continually attract people to the capital.

It is meaningless to pretend that building on open green space and play space does anything but reduce the enjoyment and life chances of current and future families in Camden.

There is no logic in trying to meet housing need in this way – it will result in Camden being completely built over and not a blade of grass remaining.

It is shameful that Camden Council is squandering what precious development space there is by building flats for sale to overseas investors who may well leave them empty, (Councillors vote to build housing on estate’s sports pitch, December 24).

There was a balance struck in previous years when Camden had a planning department with integrity and dignity. This needs to be protected by cabinet members, not vandalised.

SUE SHEPHERD
Savernake Road, NW3