An open letter from Councillor Bill Melotti to Cllr Terry Quinlan, Chairman of the Vale's Development Control Committee:

Dear Terry,

I write again with respect to the application for St Mary's in Wantage. I understand that officers are working towards having the material ready for committee consideration on Jan 28th

Assuming this is still the case, can I ask that you consider moving this meeting to Wantage so that the St Mary's application can be heard in the town? I understand your explanation for moving the Dec 17th meeting and this shows meetings can be moved at short notice.

Essentially the reason for the request is because the St Mary's application has raised so much interest in Wantage. It represents a large development, there have been concerns about road safety and associated campaigns, agreements for a new footpath to service the primary school, concerns about placement of the play area considering the anti-social behaviour which currently blights other play areas, but most of all the huge interest in retaining the Music Block as an arts centre for the town.

I would also ask if you could consider extending the time you will allow for representations from members of the public. I am certain there is much more to be said that can be accommodated in 3 minutes !

There are Art Centre campaigners, people with interests in the primary school, Town Councillors who feel they have been ignored, as well as concerned members of the public.

I look forward to your reply.

Regards
Bill Melotti