Despite the vigorous efforts of The Barnet Society, London Wildlife Trust (Barnet) and NW London RSPB, Barnet Council planning committee still gave Ravenscroft School permission to fence off part of the public Green Belt.

Guidelines intended to protect and enhance bio-diversity were ignored, with councillors deciding football pitches are more important than retaining natural countryside for the benefit of all.

These fields were entrusted to the council for community enjoyment in perpetuity.

The development scheme does nothing to protect and enhance the biological environment, harming as it does an ancient hedgerow and waterside meadow. The whole concept was totally misconceived from the outset, like the proposed selling-off of our forests and national parks.

Let the Big Society have its say and let us say a resounding “no” to this nonsense.

If you feel strongly about protecting our natural countryside let your councillors and MP know before it’s too late.

Clive Cohen, joint vice-chairman
London Wildlife Trust — Barnet group