PEOPLE in Bude and Stratton, concerned about major development proposals for the Binhamy Farm site, say enough money has now been pledged to contract professionals to help fight the forthcoming planning appeal.

Concerned residents had been advised to seek professional help to draw together their statements of opposition for the appeal, which has been lodged by the Catesby Property Group to be held in the Falcon Hotel, Bude between March 16 and March 19.

Rejected

The property developer's proposal to create 450 homes, shops, supermarket and retirement village was rejected last year by Cornwall Council's strategic planning committee.

Now, following a highly successful campaign, enough money has been pledged to contract professional help, and a bank account for the fund has been established. Binhamy Appeal fighting fund spokesman, and Bude Stratton town councillor Ian Saltern explained: "We asked all those who felt that Catesby's plans were not suitable for the area to pledge some money towards the cost of contracting professional help to put our objections at the appeal.

"I am pleased to announce that enough pledges have been made to contract both a planning lawyer and a planning consultant.

"It is now vitally important that all those who most generously pledged money for the appeal please send their cheques made payable to Binhamy Appeal fighting fund to the following address: 132 Berries Avenue, Bude, Cornwall, EX23 8QP.

Anyone who has yet to donate to the Binhamy appeal fighting fund, but still wishes to do so can also send their cheques to this address."

Mr Saltern added: "Having professional help to prepare our objections against the proposed development is crucial.

"We must act in a concerted and dignified way, putting our legitimate concerns in a professional and well argued manner.

Confident

"I feel confident that with the help of planning experts, good sense will prevail."

Those opposing Catesby's plans for Bude may also wish to write to the planning inspectorate in Bristol outlining their objections, quoting reference: APP/D0840/A/09/2115945 The Planning Inspectorate, Room 4/04, Temple Quay House,2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6NP.