R G and Mrs F M Bartlett, of Rundle Road, Knowles Hill, Newton Abbot, write:

We live exactly opposite the Blacklers Garage site now planned for the South Devon University Technical College.

We wholeheartedly agree with the need for an academic institution of this type. Development is needed in the town so we strive not to be Nimbys.

I said the only reason I would oppose was if a 1960/70s featureless design was planned, never believing that is what would occur. The plain glass and dull coloured brick front and that concrete overhang is so quintessentially soulless 1960/70s architecture; colourwash does not stay bright for long. The building design is a derivation of the sterile Bridge House and Prudential Building in Courtenay Street.

Along the same Kingsteignton Road The Mill, Cricketfield Surgery and the Job Centre are all modern but are nicely easy on the eye, so it can be done.

I must admit, I never expected the building to be so high or have such a drab design. Granted, Blacklers' showrooms were an eyesore but low enough to be shielded from our living and bed rooms by trees.

Traffic awareness is not a notable ability of 14-18 age pupils. With the building so close to the road and limited width of pavement, traffic accidents are a high risk especially with parents dropping off their children. Please move the building further from the road, the culverts behind are not immovable. Maybe the planners are more concerned with keeping the same frontage line with the Courtenay Centre?

Leaving Knowles Hill at schooltime is difficult; with so much more the worst spot will be coaches entering and exiting cricketfield car park. Some car space restriction will be required, just the time they need access, because coaches will need space for stopping and turning. Some road entrance modification will be required. I hope it is in the budget.MORE LETTERS IN OUR DIGITAL EDITION