REGARDING the planning inquiry into plans for a £6 million leisure park and woodland project at Crow Wood House Farm, Burnley (LET, March 27).

I appreciate your printing the map of the full scheme.

In August 1998, Burnley Council advised me that my application was to be referred to the Secretary of State.

My architect and I were totally stunned as this was totally unexpected. There has never been any words remotely resembling 'inevitability' used in relation to this planning application.

If they are so sure of winning this inquiry, why not pledge to repay Burnley Council tax payers' costs if they lose?

In response to Friends of the Earth, it would be reasonable to expect most environmentalists to welcome new woodland and hedging, the creation of a bridleway, public access and new wetland areas.

It would be interesting to imagine their uproar if the farmer proposed to eliminate all the above in favour of big empty green fields. Come on, grow up for heaven's sake and open your eyes.

Further, I simply do not believe there are any members of the public who, having seen the proposals, are horrified by them. Any who have reservations about the scheme I will see personally at their convenience. If they write to me I guarantee a personal response.

ANDREW BROWN, Bullions Close Farm, Ightenhill Park Lane, Burnley.

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