The ‘horror and sadness’ expressed by your correspondent PC Rodway (letters 15/09) at the steady decline at Bowleaze Coveway will accord with the feelings of many people who remember the Coveway of the 70s prior to the advent of the decimation. During the period 1997-2010 25% of new homes were built on previously residential land, including gardens.

In June 2010 Greg Clark, the decentralisation Minister, said gardens would no longer be classified as ‘brownfield’ for planning applications. I assumed that application for the destruction of 39 Cleaves Cliff, would be considered having regard for the powers given by the new government to prevent the destructive practice of ‘garden grabbing’.

The provision of new powers was confirmed by our MP Richard Drax.

A letter was sent to each member of the Planning Committee and to Preston councillors together with a copy of an MP’s letter, seeking support for the refusal of the application. The application was considered on September 22, 2010.

Only two members of the committee, councillors Mannings and Winter spoke in opposition to the officer’s recommendation (most did not speak on the application). The request for site visit was refused. One councillor was heard say that they should not be making site visits given the current traffic problems. I assume a subsequent application for No 47 was considered in a similar cavalier fashion.

Harry Powell, Bowleaze Coveway