Sir, Like many residents in Wantage, I received an email update on the amended planning application for the proposed phase two (you know, those houses that weren’t mentioned at phase one) of houses at Stockham Farm in Wantage.

I’m not daft (although there may be one or two patrons of a local hostelry that would take issue with this) but as best I could understand there were several tens of megabytes of information, or for those of us who have no idea of how many pages make a megabyte, that’s over 100 pages of information, to understand and comment upon.

Don’t give up, this is what the developers hope for.

Not once did the developers’ name appear among all these documents, as they were veiled by various “consultants” and “associates”, who upon reflection, ie in response to damning comments on the original proposals, had realised, for example, that they had better account for what happens to the water if it rains, as so succinctly put in the objections from the Environment Agency and Thames Water.

The arrogance of the developers never ceases to amaze me and the hapless position of the planning authority never ceases to frustrate me.

So, all I would say to my fellow residents is — take a deep breath, allocate an hour or so to unravel all this ‘stuff’ and equip the VWHDC with your comments — in order to safeguard the integrity and future of our lovely market town.

One of the easiest ways to make your input, might I suggest, is to look at the comments from your neighbours and crib their words — I’m pretty certain they would be delighted. Or, sign up to WAGCG and take their lead.

Alternatively, write just exactly what you think on the form provided — but please don’t do nothing. I reiterate, I’m not anti-housing, I’m anti making a ‘dog’s breakfast’ of Wantage and Grove.

Mark Rowe, Highclere Gardens, Wantage