John E Mitchell, of Bradley Vale, Newton Abbot, writes:

I refer to last week's article quoting concerns voiced by the Newton Abbot Civic Society regarding Plan Teignbridge, and specifically to the comments made by Derek Newman, the chairman of the society.

I cannot agree more with Mr Newman's comments. At last we have a voice saying what many of us believe, and what Teignbridge Council has ignored since the announcement of this plan. Plan Teignbridge is not a plan at all. It is a list of disjointed ideas that the faceless wonders at Teignbridge District Council have put together in an effort to justify their miserable existence.

The plan demonstrates a total lack of the concern and understanding that is required to develop Newton Abbot in a positive yet compassionate manner, preserving what is good about the town, improving those matters that may be not quite so good, and putting in place sensible plans for the future based on proven facts and the current and future needs of the community.

Mr Newton's comments regarding the need for the town's traffic problems to be solved before any major development begins are a matter of common sense. The figure of 12,400 homes equals more than 18,000 cars. Where do we put them?

I quote from Ashburton Town Plan: 'The 2010 Housing Needs Survey shows an initial urgent need for 36 homes, but there is an ultimate estimated requirement in Ashburton for in excess of 100 homes by 2020.'

Just a little bit different to the figures that threaten to choke Newton Abbot under a sea of stationary vehicles.

The comments of the Newton Abbot Civic Society demonstrate without question that local government should be local.

Here is a group of well meaning people who have the interests of Newton Abbot and its people at heart. They think logically, they have no axe to grind, and they are not in any way political. They just want what is best for our town.

It was not so many years ago that we came very close to losing Teignbridge Council. I cannot help but think that we missed a golden opportunity, but I admit to not knowing what the consequences might have been.

I am sure however, that the debacle of the Teignbridge Plan would not have happened if Teignbridge Council had listened to their residents rather than paying them lip service and continuing on in its arrogant and holier than thou manner.

We must fight this plan, and it is societies like the Newton Abbot Civic Society who can lead the way in a campaign to make local government see sense before it is too late.

Well done Newton Abbot Civic Society, and power to your elbow.MORE LETTERS IN OUR DIGITAL EDITION