Dr Katy Bowen, of Start, Slapton, writes:

I am astonished at the your paper's support for Paddy Costeloe's plans to develop prime agricultural land into a bizarre holiday complex in an AONB under the guise of eco and disability sensibilities.

There is no planning access to Lower Coltscombe lane surrounding the land and the construction logistics will be very difficult, since this lane only connects with another tiny lane up to Slapton, or to Stokenham by a road that is continually flooded.

Finally, the site itself is on an extremely steep hill which is totally unsuitable for people with poor mobility.

Local residents cannot understand why the planning rules are being completely ignored.

Justin Haque, of Start, Slapton writes:

I was disappointed to read of your support for the planned holiday complex in Lower Coltscombe. The South Hams planning framework DP13 specifically prohibits new or extended holiday developments in areas of outstanding natural beauty, particularly here, with the streams that feed Slapton Ley, one of the best known sites of special scientific interest in Devon.

This should raise a warning flag to both the Environmental Agency and Natural England, aside from being especially alarming to the local parish councils.

The developer simply wants to build a holiday complex on a hill with a 60 per cent gradient, while shamelessly using his 'disability' to steamroll through his project.

Despite the many factually incorrect statements regarding neighbourly considerations and access, this should at least be described for what it is, a new holiday complex in an AONB.

Editor's note: This newspaper has not expressed support or opposition to the plan. In the unlikely event we decide to do either, we will say so clearly.