I STRONGLY oppose any attempt to build on green belt land around Bristol.

The essential characteristics of green belt is its permanence and it should only be altered in exceptional circumstances.

The green belt has been with us for more than 50 years – it was established to protect the countryside from urban sprawl.

Therefore, the proposed construction of new high-density buildings is totally inappropriate, especially when there are other options available. Brown field sites and empty and derelict properties could be renovated or developed.

The green belt exists for the enjoyment of everyone and is a vital haven for wildlife, including many rare species, and prevents neighbouring towns from merging into one another.

None of us are entitled to a view, but the green belt is our heritage to be handed down to future generations and must be protected.

We must not let governments destroy it or dictate any attempt to roll back the green belt in any area without local consultation, otherwise a precedent will be set.

Debbie Nicholls, Dundry, Bristol.

● THERE are only a few weeks left before the consultation on the Government's proposals to build an extra 32,800 homes in South Gloucestershire. It closes on October 24.

It is absolutely vital the consultation receives as many responses as possible, and all parties of whatever political persuasion work together to oppose the decision to build upon the green belt.

We need more affordable homes, but the green belt must be protected.

Many local campaigners, including the Save Our Green Spaces group and the No Way To 33k campaigners, are fighting hard to oppose these plans.

A new group – Save Oldland Common Green Belt – will be holding its first meeting on October 3 at 7pm in St Anne's church hall, in Oldland.

If you live nearby, please come along. There will be a parliamentary debate on the South West plans on October 7, and it will be crucial that all our local MPs are there doing their job and speaking out against the plans. I will be there on the day as part of a parliamentary delegation going up specially to lobby against the Government. If you are interested in coming along, please let me know. We must do all that we can to save our green belt for future generations.

Chris Skidmore, Prospective Conservative MP, Kingswood.