SIR – Once again the proposed development ‘Rumplecroft’ is back in the news with the plan to build more than 100 properties on this greenfield site situated on the north side of Otley .

Residents and tourists alike would question whether this development is necessary or desirable, considering the negative effects it would have on the town.

Primarily, the traffic situation has been worsening year by year, and to exacerbate the situation by increasing the volume of traffic required to cross the river bridge into the already badly-congested town centre seems extremely short-sighted to say the least! Schools and social services would also be stretched to cope with increased numbers.

Many environmental and geological issues crop up with regard to developing this hilly and spring-bearing site including the increased risk of flooding, sewage problems, loss of habitat for wildlife and spoiling the renowned views of Otley from the Chevin.

If you think perhaps something could and should be done, then the good news is that a group of concerned residents have started a campaign to oppose this development – Residents Against Greenfield Erosion (RAGE) e-mail: rageotley@yahoo.co.uk who will be pleased to keep you informed of how things are progressing and when and where to forward your objections to the proposals.

Andy Grant, Carr Bank Cottages, Otley