Cllr David Cox, mayor of Teignmouth,writes:

Teignbridge Council, like every council in the country, has to adopt what is known as a Local Development Framework (LDF). Once adopted by the council this LDF becomes its planning blueprint of for the next 20 years. A major part of the process is the Core Strategy document. Teignbridge Council's Core Strategy has recently been made public and sets out the council's plans. There will be a consultation in January 2012.

The Core Strategy plans as currently proposed for the Teignmouth area, would see swathes of pristine countryside around our town lost under buildings. Once we lose our countryside, we lose it forever. I believe, like our neighbours in Bishopsteignton, we need to take advantage of the Localism Act and produce our own neighborhood plan – a plan that should ensure local voices are really heard and we protect our countryside for future generations, while addressing the housing needs of local families, and creating a vibrant commercial town centre.

It is nonsence to think that preservation of the countryside is of importance only to us 'selfish' folk who live in or near it. People who live in towns and cities cherish the countryside as somewhere they can dream about and escape to. We are a country-loving people, wherever we happen to live.

I have very strong views on the proposals, I hope every Teignmouth resident takes the time to study these plans and makes their views known. There is no doubt that this is the single biggest issue to affect our town for many years and its outcome will have a profound effect on the future of Teignmouth MORE LETTERS IN OUR DIGITAL EDITION