AS A person not living in Royston it is interesting to read and see how different applicants wishing to build in Royston are treated by the authorities vetting the application and how they answer to the electorate to whom they should have allegiance. In t

AS A person not living in Royston it is interesting to read and see how different applicants wishing to build in Royston are treated by the authorities vetting the application and how they answer to the electorate to whom they should have allegiance.

In the recent past a toy or book warehouse was proposed to be built on the industrial area off Orchard Road at a time when some redundancies were announced at Johnson Matthey.

It was not proposed to emit chemical waste 365 days per year from high chimneys, but the view of local councillors was that it was too high and its size was not acceptable.

When the developers proposals for the removal of an industrial unit (Ling Dynamics) were made it was to replace it with one and two-bedroom flats, affordable flats and sheltered residential units. There is a need for this type of development in our changing society.

It would appear that Royston Town Council is discriminatory in its views as to who is allowed to express an opinion of planning applications in Royston.

Councillor Mike Harrison has queried my interest in the Ling Dynamics proposed development and reminded me that I did not live in Royston and that I live in another county and that I do not pay tax to Royston Town, North Herts, or Hertfordshire County Council.

I am sure this attitude that people living outside Royston should have no interest in it is not one shared by the local Chamber of Commerce and the businesses of Royston that they represent, who are battling to attract customers with cash to take an interest in the town.

So, given that Royston Town Council has expressed in the past that it recognises over-development, that proposed development should not overlook homes in adjacent roads, and that the roof line of any development should be the same as existing houses - Councillor Mike Harrison's words - how did the residents of North Close and other adjacent homes get this Johnson Matthey monstrosity inflicted on them?

DAVID HALL

High Street

Guilden Morden