THE two front page reports (Times, December 16) regarding ?Flats and store plans wins the day? and ?Flats bid on cinema site?, clearly show that Okehampton Town Council is totally powerless; especially when it comes to having any real say about what is built, or rebuilt in the town. The councillors of West Devon Borough Council who live outside this historic town are able through strength in numbers to influence final decisions on the future of Okehampton. Many local ratepayers are saying, that cannot be right. However, this clearly indicates, and perhaps confirms the way of the future as we see similar situations in Government. Many people will have noticed that already the European Union and Council dictate what the future will be for us here in England, our England. Space does not allow to give many examples of loss of local control, except to cite Government instructions through John Prescott?s office in London, to get the density of housing up fast; a pack them in attitude. So, flats and apartments will be built almost anywhere, and our elected members of Okehampton Town Council really have no say. It?s clearer than ever that our council is not free to fully represent us with any authority or power on decisions that affect people locally at Okehampton, our Okehampton. Can that really be right? Maybe West Devon Borough Council is not legally obliged to take account of any opinions that come from Okehampton. If that is the case, then it seems it is taking every opportunity to flex its power-based muscle of control. In closing, may I say that our dear friend ?Common Sense? finally gave up the ghost due to so many restrictions. Not many attended the funeral of CS, so few realised he was gone. If you remember Common Sense pass it on. Donald Bibey 10 Baldwin Drive Okemoor Park Okehampton I READ with interest the two front page articles on planning issues in Okehampton. I was on the planning committee that decided to grant permission to build flats on the Exeter Road garage site, I voted against, to refuse, as I felt the proposed development was too dominant. It would have been helpful if Okehampton Town Council had expressed an opinion. All we had from Okehampton Town Council was no objection. I hope that Okehampton Town Council will have an opinion on the old cinema site, so borough councillors will have guidance on the views of Okehampton people, which I hope will help them make the right decision. Cllr James McInnes Lew Valley ward West Devon Borough Council I READ with amazement each week how West Devon Council pass further planning permission for Okehampton; last week, 21 plots and a store for Exeter Road. Now there is a proposed 15 town flats for St James Street. As an ex-councillor I am well aware of planning constraints. Is no councillor on the borough council wary about Okehampton?s infrastructure? I don?t see a redevelopment of the sewerage system to cope with all this building. Where is the new primary school for the additional children? The road system in Okehampton needs a serious overhaul, and could someone please explain to me how St James Street, which is narrow, near the now non-existent Carlton Cinema (yet another valuable resource that Okehampton has lost) is going to cope with at least another 15 cars if planning is pushed through? Okehampton Town Council needs to stand up to the big boys of West Devon. West Devon is only concerned about the quota of houses it has to build. The South East has John Prescott ? we have West Devon Borough Council. Rachel Laycock South Street Hatherleigh OVER the last few years the population of Okehampton has grown enormously, due to the number of new housing developments in the town. This can have vast benefits to us as a community; more people, more money coming into the region. However, I fail to see where we have increased the facilities to cater for the rise in the number of people. Surely when population rises facilities must increase as well? Looking to the future there are a number of sites being or been approved for yet more residential properties, but still none marked for commercial development in the town. My biggest worry is that we run out of space before it?s too late. James Stevens 18 Baldwin Drive Okehampton
