The thought of turning Lakeside into a town is pure lunacy (June 24).

Lakeside draws people from miles around, who enjoy shopping in a massive mall, with oodles of free parking and a sense of openness.

If shoppers wanted to shop in the middle of towns, why are the likes of Basildon, Wickford and Brentwood becoming so neglected, with many empty units?

People prefer to make shopping a day out experience.

I should imagine the 3,000-odd homes to be built would be on car parking land, or on sites where retail outlets ought to be.

Ideally, houses should be built on land close to existing settlements that already have the infrastructure, and close to new employment areas, such as the new superport on the Thames, which promises 34,000 jobs.

There is plenty of land around Corringham, Stanford-le-Hope and East Tilbury to build new houses that would not use up too much green belt.

It would make a very short and convenient journey for workers commuting to the new port. It makes sense to put houses close to where the jobs are going to be and leave shopping at Lakeside an experience.

Oliver Parks
Maple Leaf Gardens
Wickford