I feel I must restate the view expressed in my letter last year on proposals to build on greenbelt land around York, particularly in relation to the plan by City of York Council to build around 600 houses on the land adjacent to Manor Heath in Copmanthorpe.

Firstly, I must thank naturalist and survival expert Ray Mears for stressing the importance of the green belt, on the BBC’s Daily Politics programme. He rightly said that such areas of countryside are fundamental to our wellbeing and should be kept out of the reach of developers. Also, the species of flora and fauna on these sites should be taken into account before we let them be sold.

We need new houses, but on a realistic scale and in the right place, and not to the detriment of our long-cherished countryside.

At one of last year’s meetings in Copmanthorpe, MP Julian Sturdy vowed to fight the council all the way on these plans. Very good; but does this not put him at odds with his Prime Minister?

We need people like Ray Mears to stand up for the green belt. Many people would be greatly saddened to see land at Manor Heath, Copmanthorpe (plus other areas around York) needlessly destroyed, along with the wildlife which would be displaced, from the humble field vole and skylark to the magnificent hares and buzzards which frequent these fields.

John Bardet, Copmanthorpe, York.