REGARDING the planning application for housing in Broughton.

I am writing in response to last week’s article “Anger rises in planning war” in which Harry Paul is quoted at length.

There are claims by Mr Paul in the article that I find rather curious.

He is quoted as saying that the proposed housing on the Hinwood Field “doesn’t have the support of the majority of villagers” and that there is “so much frustration” at the parish council.

At the recent parish council elections, neither Mr Paul nor the six other candidates standing for the anti-development lobby were elected.

Nine existing councillors were re-elected, of which at least five have made their support for the development well known.

For over nine months the housing debate has dominated parish affairs, so why were these councillors re-elected if they have so offended the majority in Broughton as Mr Paul suggests?

I also find the petition of 300 signatures interesting.

This petition has gone online requesting anyone nationally, even internationally, to put their name to it and paper copies have been found in shops in Stockbridge for any customer passing through to sign.

Again I find it curious that the Stop Overdevelopment in Broughton group has to resort to signatures from people outside the village if they have the local support they claim.

Mr Paul may indeed be angry at the proposals but I feel he needs to be a little more cautious in suggesting the parish council do not have majority support.

Please withhold my name and address if this letter is published.

At the recent Broughton Parish Council meeting, where the planning application was discussed, the antihousing lobby created a very intimidating atmosphere so I would prefer it if my name and address is not published.

Full name and address supplied, via e-mail