The future of town planning in Maidenhead has once again been thrown into the spotlight by the high-profile case proposing redevelopment of Furze Platt School.

It is bonkers to even contemplate building on green spaces, be they playing fields, farmland or meadow, when Maidenhead and its immediate vicinity already has an abundance of redundant or under-utilised brownfield sites. 

Think of the many disused commercial premises lying in ugly disrepair for years on end. The former Skindles, the Charters garage and Symantec buildings are examples of rotting eyesores that locals would positively welcome being redeveloped for sustainable housing.

It is time for Maidonians to seize back their town! Controls should be put in place to ensure that we stop all development on our green spaces.

Brownfield sites that remain derelict for more than 12 months should be compulsorily purchased and redeveloped as homes or converted to parkland.

Our democratically-elected Royal Borough councillors should make the final decision on local planning matters. Unelected planning officials should keep their noses out.

Eventually we will find the right balance to achieve sustainable development that avoids pricing our offspring out of town.

Our green fields are a precious commodity and they need our protection now. One day in the future, we may desperately need them to feed our spirits or our bellies.