IT is surprising that Paul Mercer finds the peaceful, civilised and legitimate measures used by those concerned about the proposed wedding venue at Lower Grenofen to register their objections, to be 'unpleasant' and to 'leave a bad taste'.

These 'tactics' involved no more than a reasonable demonstration of enjoyment of the area, by those who believe such change of use to be detrimental, and amounted to no more than a few walkers and riders near the site itself, all of whom are frequently to be found there at various times of day, and a number of objectors who attended both planning meetings - some indeed carrying placards (a traditional and silent method of introduction), who were treated with respect and helpfulness by council office staff.

All three demonstrations were carried out, as our democracy allows us to do, with decorum and commonsense.

There was no shouting, no barracking, no eggs were thrown, nobody hurt and no police called. Where is the 'unpleasantness'? Where the 'bad taste'?

As I was the correspondent who referred to waiting to allow over 20 cars to come down the lane (most, I believe, carrying planning committee members etc) I would like to point out that had I been employing 'unpleasant tactics', I would have been within my rights to refuse to reverse downhill and to ask those coming down to reverse up, in accordance with Highway Code guidelines, but I took the view that commonsense should prevail and used a private driveway to allow them to pass.

This would not have been possible much further along the lane, or if I had had other vehicles behind me. 

Having already been bullied by a taxi driver who told me (incorrectly) that it is illegal for taxis to reverse while carrying passengers, I suspect that such co-operation will not always be forthcoming. And while at present to meet 20 cars is unusual, this is exactly what will happen when guests are making their way to and from a wedding venue, at weekends and midweek- and it will not be merely a fleet of cars, taxis and a minibus — which is not allowed to reverse —using the lane; there will be deliveries, waste removal and staff vehicles, both between weddings and on the day. The traffic will be multiplied beyond reason.

I hope and believe that if the members of the planning committee are influenced at all by the objectors to this application, they will be aware of the democratic right to peaceful protest which this country allows and will take note of such sane and reasoned letters such as that written by Caroline Keane, ex-mayor of Tavistock and former member of West Devon planning committee, which was published here last week.

As for my remark about Focus as a wedding venue — that was a joke. Let us not lose our sense of humour here. On the other hand — easy access, lots of space, plenty of parking and Lidl just across the road if you run out of champagne . . .

Donna Baker

Chollacott Close Tavistock

I THOUGHT it might be helpful to add some clarification in response to an email in last week's newspaper from Graham Antcliffe (Lessons to be learned from application . . . unhappy with opposition tactics 29/08/13).

West Devon Borough Council has a duty to give a balanced and fair judgement in all planning applications.

We have a high quality pre-application service which can help avoid the submission of applications that have little chance of being approved thus saving time and money for everyone involved.

The council has a positive approach to the delivery of development and officers must carefully weigh up a number of issues when reaching a recommendation on any particular proposal.

It is not our role to dissuade applicants and the very nature of the planning process means each application is properly considered on its individual merits.

In many cases, democratically elected members will visit the site of the proposed development so they can fully understand the issues and make a decision after public debate.

The issues associated with proposed developments are very often finely balanced and it is not unusual for members to take decisions contrary to the officer recommendation but this is only done with a full and thorough understanding of those planning issues.

Malcolm Elliott

Development Manager

West Devon Borough Council