John Crozier, of Redoubt Hill, Kingswear, writes:

Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat Company is building a view-destroying eyesore in Kingswear. It claims it doesn't need planning permission and has chosen not to consult with local people.

South Hams Council appears, by its inaction, to acquiesce in this outrage.

This is a test for our council. Are our councillors serious about defending our area of outstanding natural beauty, conservation area and listed building consents?

It is not too late for the railway company to suspend building and explain its position at a public meeting. Nor is it too late for South Hams Council to require the company to make clear and certain that it does have the required authority to build.

It seems unlikely, to us ordinary folk, that the legal basis which applies to main line commercial railways can or should be used to enable what is a seasonal tourist business to override local planning controls.

The railway only runs from April to October but we will have to put up with its wretched office block all year round.

The legal position needs to be established. If it transpires that the company is right and it can build whatever inappropriate structure it wants, then the law needs to be changed.