Your article on rural life in Drayton and Taverham was most interesting, especially regarding the nature walk along Marriott's Way.

Sadly, this may not be so enjoyable in the future, as it passes close by the site of the former David Rice Hospital. This wonderful open landscape, with its many protected trees, bat roosts and the rare lizard orchid may soon be sacrificed to the developer.

The 2011 Localism Act enabled villages such as Drayton to form a Neighbourhood Plan in order to preserve the quality of life of their area. In July 2016, the Drayton Neighbourhood Plan was adopted and this included keeping Drayton as a village separate from Norwich, protecting the historic nature of the village.

Development which would have an impact on the natural environment will not be permitted unless it can be shown that the environment will not be harmed. So how can building be permitted to take place on such an environmentally sensitive site?

There is already outline planning permission for 250 new homes in School Road, Drayton and another 73 proposed for a field in the village. Let's hope that the wonderful David Rice field is not allowed to be exploited for financial gain and its true value as a beautiful landscape and wildlife habitat triumphs.

J Miller, Drayton