Following the frankly unbelievable decision by Braintree Council planning committee to refuse application for the retention of the new tarmacked car park at the White Hart, Great Yeldham, I feel I must write to register my feelings.

I am a long term resident of Great Yeldham and am pleased to have a facility such as the White Hart in our village.

The old car park was a mess.

The loose gravel found its way onto the B1017 causing driving hazards and the car park itself was pitted with pot holes and dangerous for both the disabled and those attending the very successful wedding venue in high heels.

There was no lineage to show where cars could park so spaces were wasted.

The new layout ensures that cars are parked correctly and those with limited mobility can safely access the main building without fear of falling.

The committee branded “the car park “unsightly” and “out of character”.

I assume when the building was first built, the concept of four wheeled “horseless carriages” parked out side was inconceivable but cars do park outside.

Should we also ban these vehicles from parking outside the White Hart?

Are they also “unsightly” and “out of character” to this Grade II listed building?

Yes, by all means preserve the character and appearance of listed buildings but this is the 21st century.

We need to have suitable access to visit these historic buildings.

The comments by Councillor Bowers-Flint were completely unnecessary. As we, the members of the public are told when raising or supporting planning applications - keep your comments to matters of planning not personal feelings.

Councillor Bowers-Flint obviously doesn’t feel the need to confine herself to just planning matters.

Surely there must be a compromise to be agreed by all parties?

How about replacing the white lines with granite setts as recommended by Place Services in their objection statement?

I hope the White Hart does decide to appeal. It obviously has the support of many people in Great Yeldham and the surrounding areas as reflected in the many support comments for this application, including one from our own parish council.

We welcome visitors and the revenue and employment they bring to our village amenities.

Let’s not drive them away by having an ugly, unsafe gravel car park return to the White Hart.

Robert Moase

Carleton Close, Great Yeldham