SIR — I write in connection with the planning development of 71 dwellings at Hopcott Road.

If this application were to be approved it could instigate the beginning of further applications to build, culminating in the loss of prime green belt land running from Alcombe towards Middlecombe with the creation of between 500 and 1,000 homes taking in a possible 3,000 residents plus.

This type of develop,ent would have a huge impact on the lives of many people and could cause extreme social problems with particular emphasis on finding employment.

I have spoken to over 100 people living on the fringe of this area and all bar one have shown total opposition to the idea.

Details of the application are available at the council offices, Williton, and on the council website.

If your readers object to this development and its considerable implications they should put this in writing to West Somerset Council and include reasons such as: difficult access, steepness of the site, flooding problems, not in keeping with the area, and damage to tourism and the environment.

I believe that, if the people of Minehead place enough objections to this application, a better way forward can be found.

GF Elston,

Periton Road,

Minehead.