Lodge housing

SIR, – I would like to reassure residents (Homes Bid For Lodge?, Herts Advertiser, July 16), that there is absolutely no truth in the assertion made in your paper that houses are to be built on Green Belt land in Verulamium Park as part of the redevelopme

SIR, - I would like to reassure residents (Homes Bid For Lodge?, Herts Advertiser, July 16), that there is absolutely no truth in the assertion made in your paper that houses are to be built on Green Belt land in Verulamium Park as part of the redevelopment of Westminster Lodge.

The site where the John O'Connor grounds maintenance depot currently stands (known in planning terms as a brown field site) which is mentioned in your article, may be suitable for enabling development to help offset costs, but no Green Belt land has been earmarked for housing development. None whatsoever.

The council has opened its consultation asking residents for their feedback on the plans for the mix of facilities at the proposed new centre. Full details can be found at www.stalbans.gov.uk. Plans and ideas are also on display at local leisure centres, parishes and the civic centre.

The redevelopment of Westminster Lodge and a second new leisure facility at Cotlandswick, London Colney, are immensely exciting projects being developed by St Albans City and District Council for the benefit of us all, and I urge residents to take a look at the suggestions and let the council know what they think.

Cllr SHEILA BURTON

Portfolio Holder for Sport and Healthy Living

The Old School

Sandridgebury

St Albans