SIR — "Let no man destroy what the gods have created" - and yet that is exactly what will happen if permission is given to build an ugly estate of 71 properties off Hopcott Road and no doubt further estates along Periton Road.

After viewing the architect's plans and clarifying certain points, it is clear to me that there will be encroachment on existing homes in that area, either from height or boundary loss.

Secondly, there is no demand for additional housing in Minehead, with plenty of properties available for purchase or rental.

With food prices continuing to escalate and an increasing dependence on imported food, it is important that areas capable of producing food, whether for rearing livestock or for crop production, should be put to that use and not concreted over.

Concreting over creates its own problems, and are planners to be responsible for destroying Blake's 'green and pleasant land' as well as offending the gods?

I object most strongly therefore, to the proposed development off Hopcott Road and trust that planning permission will not be granted.

J B H Wells,

Middlecombe,

Minehead.