D G PENGELLY, of North Embankment, Dartmouth, writes:

Last week, I went to a presentation on the proposed development of the Old Ambulance Station, North Embankment, Dartmouth, at the Guildhall.

The developer staged this demonstration in considerable detail, including plans, elevations, a model of the site including its location as well as a filmed projection of the completed work.

All this was expertly carried out which left little doubt on the impact the completed project would have on Dartmouth and its immediate environs. However, it still has to go through the normal planning processes and I am assured by South Hams Council that when an application is made it will be advertised on its website, in the local press and on site notices.

In view of the enormous impact this development will have on Dartmouth, I was disappointed at the number of people who physically demonstrated their interest and I hope much greater interest will be shown once a formal application is made.

From Dartmouth's point of view, a very flawed decision has already been made on the site in that it already enjoys an outline approval for six residential units, plus car parking. This is surely overdevelopment of the worst kind. It also means cars coming out directly on to a dangerously tight traffic corner which is bound to lead to accidents, particularly in the summer when Dartmouth is overcrowded with tourist traffic.

The elevations of the new proposals are completely out of character with Dartmouth's lovely old buildings.

The proposed new buildings would dominate all the main approaches into the town as well as destroy the charm of nearby Coronation Park, and the River Dart.

Unsuitable weatherboarding is intended for some frontal elevations with its attendant difficulties in maintenance and appearance. Some of the proposed balconies appear to overhang public footpaths.

The widespread use of small windows on some side elevations is even more out of place in Dartmouth, particularly with its brightly coloured walls.

It is not for Dartmouth.