JOHNSON Matthey is supposed to be an environmentally orientated company yet if there was an award for the most un-environmental company it would get my vote. The noise level from its plant is unacceptable and calls to the hot-line have increased, so there

JOHNSON Matthey is supposed to be an environmentally orientated company yet if there was an award for the most un-environmental company it would get my vote.

The noise level from its plant is unacceptable and calls to the hot-line have increased, so there is pressure on them to sort things out.

I was very sorry to hear about the development in Green Drift, it appears the planning authorities have many rules and regulations to work to, but it also appears they choose which ones to use as and when it suits.

It would seem that it's true to say money talks, the developers and large company's get their way while the residents most affected play by the rules and are overlooked.

Mrs Coates contacted me just after the build was started and was most helpful, she informed me of our options, one of which was to appeal to the Ombudsman through MP Oliver Heald, of which I did.

He forwarded it to the head of planning for comments on the eight points we had raised. The reply sounded as though it was written by a JM's employee instead of a neutral body set up to protect the residents.

One of the points raised by the residents: "The colour of the construction is two tones, blue and grey and stands out above the rooftops being seen from a great distance."

There has been no attempt to ensure the building was as unobtrusive as possible.

The reply from the council's head of planning and building control, David Scholes, said: "The new warehouse building incorporates a variety of window patterns, colours and textures of sheeting materials in order to reduce the visual impact and scale of these buildings."

Mr Scholes you stated it would reduce the impact. I feel you would have trouble making it stand out anymore if you tried.

Last year, Cllr Richard Thake (portfolio holder for planning and transport) stated the build would be a benefit to the residents of Royston.

He suggested the correspondent should wait until the building was completed before judging its appearance, clearly implying it would be much improved. How wrong can a man be.

He also stated he was glad he was able to approve it. That in itself shows no consideration towards the residents.

It would appear we as residents have little say in anything that matters.

Whichever party is in nothing ever seems to change.

ROB STACY

Orchard Way

Royston