FOR some years when walking the northern end of the Hills I have chosen to avoid looking at the vast disorganised urban sprawl of Malvern Link (after all we are supposed to be an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and instead focused on an interesting ribbon of what appeared to be fields, running nearly up to the common and parallel to Pickersleigh Road.

Last year my husband and I decided to get a smaller property nearer to the amenities of Malvern. Having always lived in a rural area we wanted somewhere quiet with a pleasing outlook and proximity to peaceful walks.

After six months of searching and with our own property sold we despaired of finding anywhere approaching our criteria. Then we found a property for sale in Meadow Road: peaceful; lovely outlook over the Severn Valley and from the garden overlooking the end field seen from the hills. Although the property itself was not what we would have chosen we bought it immediately because of its position.

Over the past 14 months we have come to appreciate the area even more. Quiet certainly and probably, because a high proportion of residents are retired, with a village like feel. The field with a footpath along one boundary and another across it provides, via other footpaths and quiet roads, peaceful access to Great Malvern, Barnards Green and the upper part of the Link.

This amenity is used by many people from all over the Link and also more serious long distance walkers. The field also has great ecological value being old pasture with several ancient oaks. I have myself seen on it several types of birds such as long tailed tits, green and great spotted woodpeckers, jays and even two types of raptors not normally associated with urban areas.

Mr Oseman with his planning application for access to the field and development of it will, if successful, ruin an amenity well used by the community and alter the whole character of the area.

MRS J A HUGHES, Meadow Road, Malvern.