Re the recent letter concerning the planning application for building a convenience store at 31 School Road, Reepham (“Local business community should not dictate to silent majority”, Your Letters, 20 December 2017).
Planning matters are the responsibility of Broadland District Council and the final decision on this, and all other planning applications, will be made by the District Council.
As part of the planning process, comments on every application are invited from members of the public and from bodies such as town and parish councils.
At the recent Town Council meeting various members of the public made their views known and these views were taken into account when councillors considered the application.
After consideration, councillors unanimously agreed to object to the application because of concerns regarding parking and access for large vehicles at this particular location and because of the potentially deleterious effect the development would have on existing retailers in the town centre.
No doubt Broadland District Council would take these views, and those of others who have made comments on this application, into account when making its decision, but in this particular instance the applicant has since withdrawn the planning application.
I would like to remind all residents that Town Council meetings are open to all members of the public where everybody is entitled, and cordially invited, to make representations to the Council on any topic that is of concern to them individually or to the community as a whole.
I would also like to remind everybody that we still have vacancies for councillors, so if anybody wishes to take a more active role in shaping the future of our town by becoming a councillor, please do not hesitate to contact any councillor or the town clerk who will be happy to help you.
Les Paterson, Chairman, Reepham Town Council