SIR — It was disappointing to read in last week's Free Press that an application has been put forward in respect of a 71-house development along Hopcott Road near Alcombe.

During recent years there have been several contentious planning applications that have clearly upset a number of residents in various parts of this town.

This application is clearly a result of an incompetent government putting pressure on the local authority to provide housing because people are being pushed out of city areas into the countryside.

In many ways the scheme is flawed with many planning social and economic issues and will not be to the benefit of the local community, and I think it is likely that there will be serious opposition to this project.

GF Elston,

Periton Road,