LAST December, residents sat in the Bank House Hotel applauding the district councillors' decision to refuse planning permission for Cala Homes's Kiln Lane development.

Six weeks later the decision was overturned.

The agent employed to spearhead Cala's campaign (Philip Rawle) is the same man who has been guiding Councillor Hughes's own housing development on land he owns in Alfrick.

People have complained that this situation appears to put Councillor Hughes into a position where his interests are in conflict with his duty as a councillor.

All to no avail. In fact, during the northern area development management committe (NADMC) meeting on October 22, Councillor Hughes voted to allow the development of 48 houses on land owned by Councillor Barbara Williams's partner.

The man spearheading this development is once again Philip Rawle.

Les Williamson

Leigh Sinton