Protect the green belt

sir – Once the Covid-19 dust has begun to settle, I intend to write to my MP to ask for a moratorium on draconian housing targets (Letters, May 25), not just locally but in all areas within commuting distance of London. I encourage others to do the same.

Not only will there be more remote working, but sadly many businesses and retail units will be empty. This presents an ideal opportunity to convert such premises to meet housing needs, and relieve the pressure on our precious green belt.

My neighbours and I are fighting the local council’s proposal to remove an ancient field from the green belt. The plan is to build 104 houses on a small, semi-rural lane of 39 houses, grubbing up a historic hedgerow in the process.

I am sure there are similar proposals in many areas around London in the scramble to fulfil housing targets. They must be stopped.

Trina Golland Hatfield, Hertfordshire

sir – Why do we have waiting lists of approximately seven years to get an allotment?

It is well-known that growing your own vegetables is good for your health and therapeutic. It is a great way to involve the whole family and introduce them to fresh produce. If children sow seeds and see them grow, they will be hooked for life.

Allotments should not be in such short supply. As space around houses dwindles, it is surely time to make more land available for cultivation. As there is such a demand annually, why hasn’t this been addressed by councils?

Elizabeth Ogilvy Edinburgh