There is no justification for building on the "Rec." It is one of the few open spaces left in the town. An incompetent local authority has largely spoiled the town. The construction of housing in this location is poor town planning as it will increase congestion along the principal road into Falmouth and it will be almost inevitable that insufficient parking will be provided.

The claim to provide affordable housing is a useful ploy by developers. It is, however, largely meaningless and is used to soften up wooly-minded councillors. My company frequently used such methods when acting for developers of speculative housing and the councillors always fell for it.

The town needs open space and recreational facilities, which are in short supply. The needs of the residents of the town must take priority over a short-term fix of a few dwelling units that cannot in any case solve an insoluble problem. Long-term damage for the sake of a few units of accommodation!

The truth of the matter is that there will never be enough housing even if we built from here to Redruth and Truro whilst people continue to seek to move here from other areas. We should face that fact and not try to con people. The less well-paid locals will always lose out.

The expansion of the further education facilities in Penryn with the influx of students and teaching staff has exacerbated the problem and little thought appears to have been given to the impact on housing and property prices caused by the influx. You only have to count up the number of houses in student lets that used to be family houses. You can't get a quart into a pint pot.

There are, however, other sites ripe for development in the area but not many in Falmouth as we have the sea on two sides. One site, for instance, on the outskirts of Penryn. It is currently derelict glass houses. The council is still holding up development and has been for several years. Clearly it is essential that the right type of development takes place and the council is right to resist over-development and schemes that do not harmonise, but they are too slow in making decisions and this causes temporary delays.

I have a word of criticism re the Packet poll - it is only a poll of those with computers so it is largely meaningless. What percentage of Falmouth residents have access to computers? Those who have signed the petition fully understand what they have signed up for. To suggest that they don't is an insult to 5,000 or so Falmothians.

Michael Carter, Tredova Crescent, Falmouth