I WISH to protest at the way the planning meeting for the new development of Victoria Buildings was conducted. I thought we lived in a democracy but sadly I was mistaken. The chairman's attitude was very dismissive to the objections from the residents as he only allowed one representative to speak and would not allow any challenges.

There were excellent speeches from two parish councillors itemising concerns - car parking; traffic flow and taxi drop-offs. There was a speech from a solicitor representing the owners of the property next to the development; a speech from a representative of the Civic Society and finally a speech from Peter Clare, a resident of Victoria Road who very articulately argued the case against the development. Before the meeting I, along with 12 others filled in a form to enable us to speak but was prevented by the actions of the chairman.

The developer never answered any of the residents' reservations and he stated that many local residents had been consulted during the planning stage which is untrue! The residents do want the area developing because the area round the Conservative Hall is a mess. The present building could have been renovated with two or three restaurants and two shops with the Conservative Hall area used as a car park.

There had been a survey by the developer at night of the car parks, but what about lunch time when the two car parks are full At weekends and most nights it is very difficult to park outside my house in Grappenhall Road, so what is it likely to be like with nine new restaurants! How are the developers going to make the restaurant clients use the car parks?

After all the submissions from the developers and objectors the chairman then asked the councillors whether they had any questions. There were only four who asked for clarification. When one of the four moved for a vote the whole Labour group voted on block for approval even though they hadn't spoken against.

If the debate had been videoed nobody would have believed it.

By far the higher number of petitioners were against the present scheme (400+) than those for it (98), of whom most were living away from Stockton Heath centre. Stockton Heath Parish council were against it (10 to 1), and both Warrington MPs recommended refusal.

DAVID HATTON

Grappenhall Road,

Stockton Heath