Derek Guy, of Townstal Road, Dartmouth, writes:

I read with great interest the recent article regarding the expansion of Dartmouth by Millwood Homes, and the fact that they are 25 acres short of what is required for the full plan.

It seems that after a great deal of flag waving and consultation they have only very recently discovered that 12 acres of the proposed development area is too steep to build on.

I would have assumed that before anything went public a developer would get his wellies on and have a look at the site to assess its suitability, rather than come up with this fact half way through the consultation.

Another 12 acres of land allocated on the plan is part of Milton Farm, although farmer White has always said he has no interest in selling up, and why should he if he's happy with his farm.

Why is this suddenly being flagged up as a bombshell, threatening the developement? The land hasn't changed its shape recently, and farmer White made his position clear years ago.

Millwood is now saying that if the area cannot be increased the development will have to be scaled back, resulting in less houses, employment land , and public open space. So where will the big axe fall?

Industrial units probably aren't a big earner at present, neither are public open spaces or sports facilities. The community hub may not be worth building as the number of residents will be less, so only the housing remains as a profitable excercise.

Am I being cynical I wonder?

I don't know that I ever knew what a rat smelt like, but I think I do now.