I protest at the plans to develop land sold by Varndean College beside Surrenden Road for housing.

My husband and I moved to this area before starting our family with the hope that when we had children they would be able to go to school on the Balfour/Varndean campus during all their school years.

The reputation of the schools concerned was part of the decision to make this choice but another important aspect was the wonderful green space around the schools.

We were thrilled when our son was given a place at Balfour Infants and hope our twin daughters will also attend this school.

It is vital for the children to have full access to this space for sport and leisure activities.

Building on this area will increase the risk of all the space being swallowed up by development.

Housing on this area will only increase the pressure on the already limited place for the primary schools and traffic using the area is also likely to increase.

I have already been corresponding with Mr Stride in the council's roads department regarding safety at Balfour and I would be very concerned about any proposal, which might increase road traffic in this area.

Central government does have a part to play in this issue since, with more funding for the activities of the school, maybe Varndean College would not be forced to sell its land. I have also written to Tessa Jowell about this.

-Name and address supplied