COUN David Smith (Letters, May 15) is obviously not aware that, in 1973, Labour had complete control of the council when the planning decisions were made for the land off Cravens Brow on the Blackburn-Darwen boundary.

So how can he say that if the application for the mini-village there could be decided now, then permission would be refused, when the present council is also Labour-controlled and he is chairman of the Planning and Highways sub-committee?

Yes, I did attend the council meeting on October 8, 1983, when the District Plan was adopted. I supported the planned Fernhurst development in accordance with Conservative policy of supporting private home ownership - but in a reasonable manner, not for it to take over all of our 'green and pleasant' land, which happens all too often.

Later, Labour agreed further planning consent on this development - on land owned by the Woodfold Estate. But Coun Smith conveniently omitted to mention this.

Consequently, now it will be a large estate - or 'mini-village' - for which, dating back to 1973, Labour is totally responsible.

N BRAMLEY-HAWORTH (Mrs), Pleckgate Road, Blackburn.

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