THE campaign by the Mount Vale Community Action Group to halt the proposed housing development by the Mount School is to be welcomed and supported (“Fears at homes plan on school fields”, The Press, August 31).

York residents, particularly those who live in the part of the city of York within the ring road, are aware of the increasing pressure to develop what is left of open ground.

Open areas, particularly those which can be used for sport, other recreational facilities or have the potential to remain open spaces, are increasingly being lost to development.

These are irreplaceable and invaluable natural resources which need to be preserved.

School playing fields are such a resource under pressure from speculative developers. Too many playing fields attached to schools have already been lost in short-sighted attempts to shore up school funds.

It is shocking to learn that the Mount School, as a Quaker organisation and one which presumably promotes Quaker values of sustainability, social responsibility and the stewardship of natural resources, appears to be party to a scheme to fund improvements to what is already a well-appointed campus by selling off part of their playing fields.

The developers say the land is suitable for housing. That is open to question. Even if it were, then it is also as suitable as an open space for the wider community.

If the area under consideration is surplus to requirements by the school then as a natural resource it should be offered to the local community.

There are many local, less privileged schools and many community groups in the area which could benefit from some extra space.

John Pooley,

Chestnut Avenue,

Stockton Lane, York