I WRITE again in reply to West Devon Borough Councillor David Weeks's letter (Letters, November 20) regarding the Exbourne community shop and to clarify the misconception that there are outstanding planning issues with this project.

As Dave quite rightly points out, the results of the parish plan questionnaire showed that there was an even split between those who wanted to keep the post office and shop in the village hall on two mornings a week, and those who didn't. More importantly, however, the largest proportion of those responding to that question (38.9%) ticked the 'no opinion' box. So beware of using the 'silent majority' to support your arguments, Dave (Letters November 6). If they express no opinion, then I'm afraid neither you nor I can infer anything from their silence!

The parish plan also found majority support for the permanent shop, post office and café. However, residents were nervous of the 'newness' of such an innovative and unusual design (an energy efficient and low visual impact earth sheltered design).

As a result, alternative designs were investigated and developed by EJCAL. Following advice and detailed consultation with Devon County Council Highways Department, West Devon Borough conservation officer and planners, the design was amended and submitted for full planning permission in 2006.

EJCAL also sought to address the lack of parking referred to in the parish plan. However, Devon County Council Highways Department were strongly opposed to the provision of further off-road parking at the site and instead recommended that where possible, people are encouraged to walk to the shop and café, in line with sustainable transport policies. Parking and design issues were therefore considered as part of the planning application to West Devon Borough Council, and full planning permission was granted in 2006. There are no outstanding planning or parking issues with this project.

But this is to get away from a more important point. In Exbourne, we are luckier than many other small rural villages in Devon in that we still have an excellent village school and, thanks to a great deal of hard work and determination from the current landlord and landlady, we now have our wonderful local pub back up and running.

It's widely acknowledged that retaining local services, including pubs, schools, shops and churches, is vital to keep small communities thriving. There's enough evidence on that to bury Dave and me under six feet of paper! That is all that the Exbourne and Jacobstowe Community Association is trying to do — to keep our local community thriving by providing a permanent sustainable local shop in the heart of our village, and to support our talented local food producers. Is that really such a bad idea?

Claire Kelly

Willow Cottage

Exbourne