THE recent rejection by a planning inspector of a proposed building in Stapleford (Journal, January 15) beggars belief.

I write as a villager who, in common with many others, would like to see this wrong righted.

As the inspector himself says: “…so whilst there is no specific objection to the shape or size of the plot…and the council has no objections to the design of the new house, I conclude that the proposal would significantly harm the character and appearance of the area”.

Not so, inspector! The building would be virtually invisible from Over Street, would inconvenience nobody and would in no way harm the appearance of the area.

That was effectively achieved several years ago, with planning permission, by the construction of three red brick houses, complete with mini Berlin walls, very much "in yer face" right on Over Street, totally out of character in that area: an extraordinary decision, along with several others of late.

The inspector concerned should be replaced by somebody who really knows what he/she is about, starting with a decent eye for the country and a large dose of common sense.

Jasper Archer

Stapleford