I would like to thank our town councillors for their unanimous support in opposing the proposed development of 16-20 Green Drift. They had clearly listened to our worries, and many came out to look round the area and see for themselves what was being prop

I would like to thank our town councillors for their unanimous support in opposing the proposed development of 16-20 Green Drift.

They had clearly listened to our worries, and many came out to look round the area and see for themselves what was being proposed before forming their opinions, and as a result they spoke eloquently and many valid points were brought up in their discussion.

The next stage of the application is the meeting of the district council on March 14, whose decision on this application could have far-reaching implications for the future development of other properties within the town.

I would like to ask that if you are a resident of Royston who is concerned about the current development or over-development in and around Royston, in particular the practice of demolishing perfectly good habitable houses on plots of around an acre and replacing them with at least 15 houses, that will not necessarily fit in with the present street scene, please write to district councillors Fiona Hill and Peter Burt before March 14 and say so.

There are quite a number of this type of plot in Royston. If we act now, we can have some sort of control of what happens in our town. If not, precedents will have been set and developers will be able to do whatever they want.

We know these plots will be developed, but they must be developed in a way that will fit in with the character of the surrounding area.

Residents in Hitchin recently had success in opposing a development of this type where developers wanted to demolish three houses and replace them with first 14, then 12, then 10 houses.

In the end, a Government Inspector rejected the developer's appeal. The Inspector's report concluded that, although the density of the buildings was within planning guidelines, it "would harm the character and appearance of the area" and "give rise to a significant increase in noise and disturbance".

Two of the reasons we are against the proposals for 16-20 Green Drift.

As one of the objectors to that development said: "I think it's incredible what people can do when they get together.

It might get others to try to fight back too."

This is Royston's chance to fight back.

Elizabeth Hale

Green Drift Royston