I THANK David Borrett very much for his letter (Advertiser letters, August 10 ‘Do up instead’).

I am well aware that there is much interest in our application to replace the existing Acre Almshouses. Obviously, I am very disappointed that Historic England have felt it necessary to question our proposals. Rob ArmourChelu is not the person who drew up the plans for the new building. He has advised us in other areas. We have employed an architect with some 35 years’ experience.

Architects and other advisors do cost money and I and the trustees do not take decisions lightly when spending our funds.

Some seven years ago, our then chairman, the late Bryan Beggs, put forward his inspirational and beneficial vision to hopefully provide some 12 dwellings instead of the existing four. These are in need of attention. In some cases we consider them not suitable for habitation, so we need to do something. Bryan saw this as being able to bring ourselves into the 21st century and at the same time giving Andover a gateway entrance and introduction to the town.

I do feel the people who oppose this application do not comprehend what Bryan and the current trustees wish to provide. We always receive many applications when one of the properties become vacant and wish to cater for the present situation of affordable accommodation in Andover. We have not deliberately left the premises empty. We have taken into consideration that if we had had our planning application heard earlier then we would not be faced with difficulties of re-housing these tenants on a temporary basis. To my knowledge no one interested in opposing our plans have even viewed the inside of the dwellings. I offer to arrange for David Borrett, members of Test Valley Borough Council and Andover Town Council to visit the almshouses.

There are other issues raised by David Borrett, who Bryan Beggs knew personally, which I do not intend to go into at this time, but only to assure him that we do have the guidance and intelligence to consider parking, bins and other issues which are valuable to all members of the community.

As I promised my well respected, beloved friend and mentor, Bryan Beggs, it is my intention to follow this application to the bitter end.

Malcolm Lloyd, Chairman, Andover Charities Trustees