I am dismayed by councillors approving plans to build a car factory near Chichester (Argus, May 12).

The city has no history of motor manufacturing or any other heavy industry and I can see no good reason why Rolls-Royce should need to move there from its historic base in the north.

It is unacceptable to use a greenfield site for this factory. The rural area targeted is likely to be ruined by excessive traffic. Moreover, giving this factory the go-ahead will set a precedent for further industrialisation of the area.

Alas, I fear councillors may have been swayed by the prospects of boosting the local economy, rather than by thoughts of protecting a unique heritage.

-Bryan Childers, Marine Parade, Brighton