WE read the letter published last week from Cllr Marsh and Dr Nielsen.

Unfortunately, it did not make clear that Barratts Housing is intending to build 48 houses jammed up against the new hospital in Okehampton. The hospital project is in no way dependent on Barratts gaining planning permission since shared access costs are just a drop in the ocean in a project of this scale.

The presentation referred to was understood to be about the hospital project but the architect giving this presentation moved on without warning to a promotional presentation for a high-density development by Barratts.

Surely the borough councillors would not welcome such an application. The Barratts development should be examined on strict planning grounds, taking into account the use of the link road by several industrial concerns and the effect on the environs of the hospital.

It is to be hoped that a public meeting is called on a matter of such importance and the matter not let through by default. If some form of development, hopefully much reduced, is permitted, then the developers should make a realistic contribution to the town.

We hope that those who share our fears will write immediately to John Burnett MP and their local councillor before it is too late.

Mr and Mrs K Riddick

Mr and Mrs P Richards

M and Mrs B Crittenden

Dr and Mr J Allen

Mrs I Lee

Mr and Mrs C Mercer

Mrs L Burnet

Mr and Mrs C Matthews

AS A health professional who has worked in Okehampton for many years I am delighted to see the progress that has been made for the new hospital.

Our thanks must go to Dr Paul Nielsen and our mayor Christine Marsh and the many others who have worked so hard to raise funds to provide a first class facility for the people of Okehampton.

I have been concerned to hear about possible plans for development adjacent to the hospital site. There does no seem to have been much detail provided about just what is planned, and how this may, or may not, affect the new hospital.

It came as a shock to hear about the development, and this should have been avoided. How have proposals for the development got to the stage that they have without the people of Okehampton knowing?

It is essential that the new hospital caters for the needs of a town likely to grow substantially over the next few years. I am sure residents would like to know just what thought has been given to the future scale of demands, not just the present. Is there adequate room for expansion on the site? Will the hospital be able to cope if it also has to take patients from further away?

Public confidence in the Okehampton Hospital has so far been very high. Let's keep it that way. Let's keep ordinary residents involved and informed every step of the way, and listen to local views and concerns.

Jo Harrison

43 Fern Close

Okehampton