I note with interest, but not with surprise, your article in connection with the proposed 39-flat development in Belmont and how the concerns of the local residents were completely ignored.

I live in Homefield Park, Grove Road, Sutton, and the residents have suffered in the same manner as recently as last December, when the area committee granted planning permission to a 13-storey and nine-storey mixed use development in Sutton Park Road.

I think it is about time the residents of this borough realised it is time for a change of council, it's time to say goodbye to the Liberal Democrats.

I also note Michelle Chinnery's letter covering the meeting regarding the Paynes Poppets factory site. Again, local people experienced the same non-democratic manner of the council.

Our meeting in December was opened by the councillors telling us they wished to proceed quickly and this was similar to what happened at the Wallington meeting. The chair of the meeting in Wallington was Mr Leach the same man who, at the council meeting to determine the planning application in connection with 2 Sutton Park Road, read his prepared script detailing his concerns and worries about this development and then at the end of the meeting gave another prepared speech about how important the new development would be and voted for it.

What has happened to democracy and fair play? It is obviously a thing of the past as far as our Liberal Democrats are concerned.

As for the old Dairy in Cheam Village, watch this space. The future holds a hurried council meeting and the granting of planning application without due thought for the residents.

Mary Edwards

Homefield Park

Sutton

January 31, 2003 12:30