I have read with interest Mr Hockings’ letter.

Mr Hockings lives on the Isle of Man so doesn’t have a clue as to how it is to live in Witham now.

He also stands to make a lot of money from the sale of his land.

I have no objection to development if it makes what is an eyesore into a pleasant and safe area but 78 new builds is too many for this site.

He states 78 is the minimum number that will allow any developer to proceed.

Does this mean it could apply for more further down the line?

Developers don’t build houses anymore, they build dolls houses.

The side roads are also so narrow you can only have vehicles going in one direction at any time.

You only have to look at the side roads on the newer estates in town to see what a mess it is for parking.

Are the new builds going to have their own off-road parking because, if not, Mr Hockings is wrong if he thinks there will not be a parking problem.

Even on the older estates where side-roads are wider there are parking problems.

Of course people are going to use their cars for shopping rather than carrying heavy bags from the supermarkets etc.

As stated, I have no objection to development but it should be done sympathetically, with people’s concerns taken seriously.

Mr Hockings is looking to how much he can make financially and the developers are looking at how much profit they can make by squeezing as many properties on to the site as they can.

Maggie Saunders

Humber Road, Witham