Dr Richard Rawlins, honorary secretary, Kingswear Action on Rail and River Development, writes:

Don Collinson has drawn timely attention to the development of an office block at Kingswear station, Letters, September 23, and suggests the rail and riverboat company 'appears to be exempt from normal planning and building approvals'. That is not entirely so.

The company has claimed it can develop as it likes under the General Permitted Development Order. But that still allows South Hams Council to demand approval for all proposals, if it determines the issue is 'exceptional'.

I can think of no more exceptional case than the unnecessary development of a two storey office block in an area of outstanding natural beauty, in a conservation area, adjacent to a listed building, opposite Dartmouth and its royal naval college.

That is why Kingswear Action on Rail and River Development is calling on the council to insist permission be sought. In this we have the support of Kingswear Parish Council and all local county councillors.

We also dispute that the company can utilise the provisions of non-approved permitted development, as they may not be compliant with the strictures of the GPDO.

South Hams Council has been asked to clarify the situation but the judgement of a court may be necessary.

If a railway company can develop without permission like this, where will it end? A 20-storey block? All along the railway to Paignton? On all railways in the country?

The legal status must be clarified by South Hams Council immediately.

MP Dr Sarah Wollaston is coming to the Steam Packet in Kingswear at 4.30pm today to learn more of local concerns. She has already engaged the planning ministers with the issue.

Final destination for this trip? Brussels? Let us hope the ride is not too bumpy.