AT THE moment, the planners/developers are calling it ‘The strategic site south of Chesterton’.

This will have to be given a name when it becomes the new village to be tagged on to the southern outskirts of Cirencester. Presently this area is known as Chesterton Farm but this will surely not be appropriate for the concrete jungle that the developers are planning.

It will therefore need a new name. Perhaps, ‘The Bathurst Estate’ to commemorate the legacy that this local family will bequeath to the people of Cirencester? Wait a minute, this could be confused with the green and pleasant land that already exists around the big house.

How about ‘Cirencester Without’? That would fit the bill; without the need or benefit for the people of Cirencester.

The need has not been established logically and the only benefit will be to line the pockets of the rich and make life easy for our elected representatives and our local government officers.

Alternatively, ‘Dorm’ would be appropriate because this will inevitably become a dormitory village. So where is the benefit to the people of Cirencester?

The planners would have us believe that this new village would enhance our well-being. How so?

Any facilities provided by the planners will only benefit the occupants. How are these 3,000 or so commuters getting to their place of work (if they can find work)? The only logical method will be by private transport, blocking the already congested roads and polluting the atmosphere for the residents of Cirencester.

GORDON BURLEY

Cirencester