Does it surprise anyone that Dorset County Council has done a U-turn by withdrawing its objection to the development of 760 houses at Vearse Farm? Who can you trust – say one thing and do another!

With all the statutory consultees (The Highways Agency, Highways England and the Environment Agency) closing ranks, West Dorset District Council will be having its own way in pushing through such an outrageous planning application and, moreover, preventing the townspeople having its say by holding the hearing of the planning application in Dorchester and causing many from attending because of work commitments and travel problems.

That in itself is a diabolical decision.

The people most affected, and whose decision will be made for them, are not listened to and, if they are, their words go in one ear and out the other.

Localism provides that each community should be able to influence what happens in its locality to a much greater extent that there has been as, in the past there has been too much central government interference.

This has not been applied by West Dorset District Council.

But again, does this surprise one?

DAVID TETT West Allington, Bridport