Robin Dadson, of Churchfields, Dartmouth, writes:

I have read with great interest last week's front page story regarding the proposed development of 400 new residences and other amenities by the developer Millwood Homes to the west of Dartmouth.

The majority of my working career was spent in sales and marketing during which time I travelled extensively throughout London and the Home Counties visiting clients, many of whom were situated on industrial estates across the region.

The one thing that always struck me was that, despite the number of vacant units on just about every estate I visited, further development was evident just about everywhere.

I do appreciate that, as technology progresses, older premises may no longer be suitable for more up-to-date requirements but the fact remained that even many newly built units simply remained empty for months, even years.

Please bear in mind I am talking about the Thames corridor with its immediate access to the motorway systems, Heathrow and Gatwick Airports, the Channel Tunnel and, to a lesser degree, the sea ports of Felixstowe and Southampton.

One should also keep in mind the population of the South East far exceeds that of the Westcountry, thus bringing a greater demand for manufacturing and service industries.

One might have thought that in such a location demand for business premises might well have outstripped supply but that did not appear to be the case.

My previous residence was situated on the outskirts of the London borough of Bromley, in an area which was always regarded as something of a forgotten backwater in that it did not lie on a trunk route but was served by a road which simply did not really lead anywhere.

Some 20-25 years ago developers saw fit to expand a small industrial estate lying on the outskirts of the main residential area but, although the M25 was accessible via two junctions, both around 10 miles distant, the estate never really achieved anything like its potential as there were many alternative sites more convieniently suituated and thus more attractive.

In addition to the above, I would like to say that quite recently I watched a report on the television concerning the sad lack of employment in the South West in which an executive of a thriving local business was interviewed.

This man confirmed that his company was seeking to expand and, although it was situated very close to the A38, he was very cautious of doing so in Devon for economic reasons.

Returning to the question of Dartmouth West, some weeks ago I took the opportunity of attending a presentation by Millwood Homes at St Clement's Church Hall, when I made my opinions and experiences known to their team.

I may be wrong but I got the impressions that there was a sense of foreboding on their part with regard to the extent of the proposed industrial site.

I also learned that, while there will be 'affordable' housing included in the overall project, this will be vastly overshadowed by residences for sale on the open market at 'current commercial rates'.

As a result of all that I have said above, I whole heartedly agree that Dartmouth Town Council needs to come up with a real strategy before a single foundation is put in place.

What is meant by 'affordable' housing? If prospective employers are slow to take advantage of the industrial development and jobs are not created, will anybody be in a position to purchase one anyway? What is meant by 'current commercial rates' – £200,000-plus and out of the reach of very many local residents?

Will we see many properties merely being snapped up as holiday homes which seemingly are already a problem in the town?

Of course, I would be delighted to see greater employment opportunities available to the good citizens of Dartmouth if these were guaranteed to those already living here.

Naturally during the building period there will be jobs available but, once completed, these will come to an end.

Surely the thing to do would be to endeavour to ensure ongoing work for any of these folk that need it by building and filling the industrial units first before importing yet more people into the area who could well end up being jobless.

The trouble with doing things that way round is, I guess, there would not be sufficient potential profit margin up front, on the table, to make the scheme viable for any developer.