Dear Syd

I was appalled but not at all surprised to see that Woodham golf course is to be sold.  I stand to be corrected but I think I said in your paper at the time of the application that the Washington Development Ltd. spin on their plans was a lot of Irish Blarney.

Mr V. Crichton made it quite clear that the plans had failed to show any financial support and stated that, “The Irish bankers of this company have, according to a Panorama programme, stopped funding all new speculative property development so where will the funds come from?”  This was in the Newton News w/e 6th January 2012 and he gave the address  for registering objections to the plans.

I am given to believe that there were less than 50 objections to the plans when it went before the County Council which is a very small percentage of the town’s or come to that Woodham’s residents.  Bob Taylor in his letter headed Woodham Golf Course For Sale implied that many Woodham residents were against the plans and made it known to their Councillors.

Where were they when the Town Council voted on the application?  There were only approximately 12 non Councillors at that meeting and to the best of my recollection only two people spoke on this subject (myself being one of them) neither of whom were Woodham residents.

One has to question just how many residents had strong feelings about the proposals which would undoubtedly lead to the destruction of a large area of open and beautiful countryside let alone cause chaos on the C35 Middridge Road; which was desperately in need of upgrading before the expected rise in traffic travelling North from the new development in Shildon adjacent to Middridge.

I have always said that the bungalows which were first built on golf course land was the thin end of the wedge and against the original covenant on the land.  Now they have permission for about 50 houses in the half a million pound price bracket is this the start of the golf course becoming another housing estate?  I hope it is not in my lifetime if it comes to pass.

Let us hope that this is a salutary lesson for those who feel angry about the planning applications for the town.  The Town Council has a forum before meetings for your views to be heard please use this valuable facility it really is the only way to get your views through to the Councillors, even if they ignore them when it comes to the vote!!!

Andrea Bergg

Lascelles Ave