Tom Shell, of Alvington Terrace, Kingsbridge, writes:

I read with interest the comments of Cllr Gilbert in the paper recently under the heading of 'we need to build homes for all' He is obviously very upset that the outline planning application for K5 and land to the west for 85 houses was refused by the development management committee of South Hams Council on July 24.

I can understand his disquiet at this as he was involved with negotiations with the land owner, Mr Michael Manisty and also with the production of the development planning document for Kingsbridge which was published before the majority of Kingsbridge residents were made aware of its contents.

He quotes a passage of a speech by Sir Winston Churchill in November 1942 in the middle of World War Two which would indicate that he thinks we are in a similar desperate situation. He ends his tirade by reminding us that these big planning applications for housing are primarily needed due to Government dictate. In other words, it is not necessarily what is needed for Kingsbridge but what Government thinks we need.

In conclusion, I would like to applaud the six district councillors who voted for refusal as they obviously care for Kingsbridge and do not want to see this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty blighted by this monstrous proposed development.