It would appear the public at large regard Braintree Council’s planning policy with utter contempt; it is not local democracy but local dictatorship.

The Tey Road decision leaves Earls Colne at the mercy of developers.

You cannot argue village envelopes, development plans or pressure on local facilities.

The hazardous Tey Road junction is of enormous concern to residents and was highlighted in the many objections to the development.

In Tey Road, the fact Essex County Council, with the apparent agreement of Braintree planners, have decreed the exit/entrance is not a problem which will open up large swathes of land further down making Lowefields into a massive estate.

Other parts of the village are now defenceless; there is no objection that can win against the position now laid down by councillors.

It was noticeable that Councillor Kirby, who voted against the Station Road application, voted for this particular plan despite it having far more problems.

He really needs to explain his reasons behind this apparent contradiction.

There is also the question about the position of Councillor Spray.

As deputy chairman of a committee that has potentially destroyed the living conditions of the village she represents, how can she justify remaining in such an elevated position.

Yes, she has made her token votes against but with the knowledge that those were gestures and totally futile.

Her objection speech at the meeting was not aimed at fellow councillors, who she knew would pass the application, but at the 70 or so electors present.

Arthur Moles is right in his letter of last week, we need councillors who will represent the local residents.

I am sure the Tey Road Action Committee would love the opportunity to support two independent candidates in May.

Bernie Gaught

Tey Road, Earls Colne