Sir, I have read with interest the debate in your newspaper regarding the outline residential permission granted at Skrinkle, Manorbier, and the resulting further over-development of a community which lacks basic amenities to cope with the existing housing, let alone those now approved in outline. It does indeed seem strange that where a community, which appears to be a very representative sample of both tenants and owners, expresses a democratic view, that this can be over- ridden, albeit in not a very emphatic fashion 8/5, by a committee from other bodies who appear to think they know better what is good for we Park dwellers! To that extent, I wonder whether planning powers were envisaged as being part of the Park's remit at the establishment of the movement? However, these issues may now be for the Welsh Assembly Government to examine, if elected representatives at all levels are brave enough to push for the decision to be called in, as I am sure they will! Turning now to the current position. Did anyone currently involved in this debate even know there was a JUDP which contained proposals to over- develop open spaces at Skrinkle and elsewhere? Were there public meetings held? How did this slip through? Why did PHA put the land forward in the first place? It is this last point which is easiest for us to understand. The Skrinkle estate was passed to PHA by the military via the old South Pembs DC. After a very chequered start, PHA and the community association STAR have restored pride and 'community renewal' to the estate. These two development sites owe the PHA nothing and are worth at current values well in excess of a million pounds; so why develop elsewhere and look a gift horse in the mouth; take the very inappropriate, but easy option! So residents of Skrinkle, now is your chance to help them spend the huge windfall that the planners and those unelected committees have presented them and you with. Tell them what they already know - that they can afford to improve your lot; for starters nursery education and community centre for young mums, re-build beach access. Or perhaps, a bit off the wall I know, but how about a public-private partnership to re-build the village school at Skrinkle!

Roger Sherrington, Manorbier.