THE Neighbourhood Plan for the towns of Bude and Stratton, is now drawing to a close. Sometimes it seems much longer than the three years when Lucille Opie, Glynis Aherne and I were invited to become part of this as members of the public — volunteers.

One thing I very much object to is the title of the plan — Bude-Stratton Neighbourhood Plan rather than Bude and Stratton NP. To my mind it gives the impression of one town with a double-barrel name rather than two towns, which are so very different. No way is Stratton a suburb of Bude, and with a history going back to 800AD it should have the right to ‘stand alone’. After arguing this a number of times I was told that it had to be so (but I still do not see why!)

In discussing development (housing) the expression ‘will be encouraged’ is used I would have preferred ‘will be considered’, but was told by the consultants that a positive rather than a negative attitude must be presented in the plan, and they have far more knowledge than the ordinary person as to what will or will not be approved by the authorities, however, I find it difficult to be ‘positive’ about developers who are out to make as much money as possible without the least concern for the countryside, wildlife, the environment, the infrastructure and in particular for people who do not want large developments in their area.

I would like to have seen more emphasis on communities being able to affect decisions about development, particularly where it is a large development.

I am pleased that the memorial field for the site of the Battle of Stratton or Stamford Hill will be included in the Heritage and Open Spaces section. It is part of the Heritage of Stratton and hopefully it will be protected from any future town council deciding to sell it for development, to bolster their finances; also Stratton Nature Trail to be included with Bude Marshes and Nature Reserve.

I must make it clear that the views in this letter are mine personally and do not reflect the views of the steering group members.

From Janet Feasey

Stratton