I READ with interest the remarks by C Langford of Hutton Rudby (D&S Times, Aug 12) concerning prospective housing developments in rural areas. It is a well known fact there is a housing shortage nationwide.

In particular, the younger generation is in need, and rural areas are probably the most desirable places to live, I am sure C Langford cannot deny that.

With 42 different species of bird being sighted in the field that your correspondent is concerned about, as well as deer, voles etc., it seems a pretty crowded piece of land to me – the lone cuckoo ‘cowbird’ must have been spoiled for choice with so many options to lay its single egg for a soon to be fostered chick. Swifts, swallows and martins were not mentioned and would have made the numbers up to 45 – I wonder where they make their nests?

Quite a number of the birds mentioned rely on householders for feed, particularly during winter months.

That aside, rural areas do desperately need progressive development to help keep village schools and amenities alive.

However, objection to any new house building normally comes from existing residents who are effectively against new homes which are like their own. This is a typical “not in my backyard” hypocrisy.

C Langford really needs to chill and look at the bigger picture for the future of young people and villages.

Trevor Mason, Swainby