HAVING represented one of the Residents Associations opposing the planning application to build houses in Talbot Heath, I would like to respond to some of the comments in your report of the refusal of this application. (Echo, February 29) The Talbot Village Trust claims that the project “would have brought many benefits to the area”. These benefits are certainly not evident to local residents.

Trustee James Gibson Fleming suggests that some people thought building would encroach on the heath. That was never even an issue at the inquiry.

He talks about improving the heath but for whose benefit? The TVT proposals included a 2.9m high cat-proof fence along part of the heath, which the inspector called a blot on the landscape.

The fence was intended to prevent direct access to the heath from Talbot Village for both the new and existing developments so it is hardly a benefit.

At the inquiry, the heath was recognised as being in poor condition in part due to the failure of the TVT to properly manage their part.

One has to ask why it took a planning application to spur them into action? Cllr Mike White’s comment that “the council is extremely disappointed at the outcome” is yet another example of the way Poole Council shows a complete disregard for the feelings and views of the ordinary resident.

Furthermore his concern about the effect on Poole’s ability to meet its housing needs is unfounded.

This was carefully considered and the Secretary of State concluded that the application site is not critical to the overall supply and that there would be adequate sites to meet the borough’s requirements.

Cllr White should be looking into this, asking why the council made the “wrong” decision.

A decision that has cost the council tax payers of both Bournemouth and Poole many thousands of pounds to say nothing of the time and energy spent by many others.

RF COOPER Laidlaw Close, Talbot Village