MAY I confirm that Church Ward councillors are united against the development of Barracks Lodge, off Newington Drive, Bury (Bury Times, July 30).

Destruction in the name of "maintenance" by Stately Developments will only make us more determined to do all in our power to prevent them from obtaining planning permission.

As a member of the planning sub-committee I was able to secure a site visit to enable us to see for ourselves the damage done to this lodge by the developers since our previous visit some two months ago. All members are of one mind in their determination to resist this application and to use what powers we have to make sure that this kind of action will not be rewarded.

We agreed to inform the executive committee of our joint feelings and request that no assistance be given to Stately Developments by way of selling land owned by the council which would allow them access via our property.

To allow them any assistance would undermine the authority of the council and its planning sub-committee. I sincerely hope that this Labour-controlled council will listen to its planning committee, to Church Ward councillors, and to local residents.

COUNCILLOR BOB BIBBY

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