In response to Elaine Newton’s letter (Saturday, August 1) I have to say that I was dismayed to have to make the decision.

However, should the authority decide that Branksome Rec was not a town green it could easily be argued by the applicants, or an honest impartial observer, that we had predetermined this by our continued consultation.

Cllr Peter Adams, portfolio holder with responsibility for our open spaces, has for some time been seeking to provide green gyms in many of our open spaces.

He has been negotiating with outside bodies to provide funding for Branksome Rec together with a number of other sites.

It is one of my responsibilities to ensure that the licensing authority, the body that is responsible for determining whether or not Branksome Rec is or is not a town green, is not compromised in its ability to make decisions.

I was advised that the council should not be seen to be doing anything which could prejudice or pre-determine the fair consideration of that application.

In the circumstances we all agreed that we should suspend the current consultation on the proposals and return to them in the future if and when appropriate.

Cllr Don Collier, deputy leader, Poole council