DAVID Bentley is being somewhat naive, to say the least, if he really thinks that the designation of part of Spen Moor as a Site of Biological Importance (SBI) is enough to save it from being built on (Bury Times, March 12).

The site will be protected for the time being by its "open land" status which its owners, Peel Holdings, had to concede in order to persuade the Appeal Court to overturn the previous ruling of the High Court that it should be designated as green belt. So much for David Bentley's assertion that the council has achieved nothing.

It is a pity that Mr Bentley can't work with those who are trying to protect the green belt in Bury instead of knocking them.

Ultimately, the fate of Spen Moor is likely to be decided by the Regional Development framework which will decide how many new houses Bury has to provide for over the next few years.

The council's policy is to protect the green belt so far as we are able on the grounds that is one of the features that makes Bury both attractive and sustainable and also because what is really needed in Greater Manchester is regeneration of the urban centre - principally in the cities of Manchester and Salford - rather than yet more building on green land.

Of course I accept responsibility for the council's policy decisions. That is what the job is all about. If David Bentley finds that surprising, that says more about him than it says about me.

COUNCILLOR DEREK BODEN,

leader of the council.

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