Although we see and hear of campaigns and demonstrations for and against various projects in the borough, there seems to be a quiet revolution taking place in south Sutton. This is transforming the appearance and character of the district, with little opposition from residents or councillors. I refer to the destruction of many large houses with gardens, to be replaced by blocks of flats.

A common sight is of huge hoardings with highly decorative designs informing us that "Prestigious Apartments", or other fancy names, will be built shortly.

Apparently, the Government has decreed that domestic gardens are now classed as brownfield sites and can be built on with no gardens at all, except for a miserable piece of green in the front classed as a community space.

The area around Overton and Camborne Roads has been hit particularly badly in recent years, in addition to the 1,000-pupil Overton Grange school.

Old houses come to the end of their useful lives and schools have to be built, but it seems that environmental and green policies count for little when it comes to the real test of building on open land.

It is not only wicked developers' who are cashing in on this legislation but councils are only too ready to forego and forget loudly proclaimed green issues when Government money is offered, trampling on the living conditions of local residents. The threat to the Stanley Park allotments is an obvious example.

When you consider the obstacles placed in front of people by planning authorities for quite modest alterations it is breathtaking to see such huge transformations taking place with the acquiescence of local authorities.

I believe our local MP made some comment last year about disappearing gardens but there appears to be no united opposition from council, political parties or other interested groups.

Walking down some of our roads now is like walking through canyons of bricks and mortar lined with cars replacing what was once pleasant gardens and open spaces. Is this the kind of local environment people want?

C W STOW Overton Road Sutton