Gregory Johnson, of Palm Cross Green, Modbury, writes: As a long-term resident of Modbury, I write in response to Mr Rosevear's letter, Gazette, March 6, about the threatened new housing estate in Modbury. Mr Rosevear claims that the parish council is reflecting Modbury opinion. It is true that the parish ­council has recommended refusal of the planning application and that most residents would object too. What Mr Rosevear does not mention is that the parish ­council also voted to welcome a new estate of 80 houses on the proposed site. In every test of public ­opinion Modbury has overwhelmingly rejected such proposals. Members of the Modbury First group have argued against new estates in green fields. At the same time, most, or all, agree that some new, genuinely affordable housing is needed, especially for young people. Modbury First has argued for some years that the best way to achieve this is by a land or community trust. All houses would be rented to local people in perpetuity at much lower rents than elsewhere, giving young people a better chance of access to the property ladder eventually. There are 130 such schemes, including at least one in the South Hams. The alternative seems to require more fields turning into estates, more people moving into the South Hams and more pressure on infrastructure and services – for example the A379 and Derriford Hospital.