I WISH to correct the error contained in your front page article dated August 21, stating that work has officially started on building 2,500 homes at Chesterton Farm.

This is categorically not true.

There is an archaeological survey being carried out to inform the estate and local authority as to the suitability of this site for any future development proposals.

This is purely survey work, most of which is on arable land, which due to its usual annual disturbance very rarely creates a home for badgers or foxes. This survey is being carried out by the estate at its instigation and not by developers.

Those people who are concerned or interested in the planning process will know that it is not a foregone conclusion that this land will be included in the draft Local Plan. The land is seen as a suitable development site under the CDC’s proposed draft Local Plan which has a number of stages to go through before being finalised. This process includes consultation in December 2014 and following considerations and representations a proposed plan will be submitted to the secretary of state for winter 2015 with the aim to adopt the Plan in summer 2016.

It is recognised both nationally and locally that housing is required and this land provides a potential location to meet an allocation of that demand. The estate is being proactive in looking to meet some of that demand and will endeavour to ensure that the highest of standards are met, the legacy and benefits to Cirencester being a continuing major consideration.

The archaeological survey is being carried out to inform the estate to what is below the surface so that any future proposed development or land use does not damage any unknown archaeology.

Many of those involved will be fully aware that there is an Ancient Scheduled Monument on the site and it is around this area in particular that very careful attention is being paid; and further work is being carried out at the request of English Heritage outside the proposed area to give us a greater insight into the area’s history.

THE EARL BATHURST

Cirencester