I congratulate Adam Trimingham for his excellent article about the South Downs National Park.

Quite rightly, he draws attention to the fact that the objecting councils are those very bodies, or their tenants, who have been the worst despoilers of this wonderful and unique area of natural countryside.

Little wonder that some historic estates (I am aware of two) are being bought up by lawyers. Unfortunately, current legislation encourages this terrible rip-off of public funds which, as Adam says, would be better spent on front-line services.

-R J Sharpe, Brighton