I have just learned of the resolution passed at the meeting of Marlborough Town Council planning committee on February 14.

This has come as a shock as I understand that the town council has supported the Riverbank project since its inception and has acknowledged the public demand for an arts facility. It has contributed on several occasions to the trust's activities and for this we are grateful.

Council members had previously agreed to the outline scheme for the development, which will involve the surrender of its lease on a small corner of the watermeadow (which is owned by Kennet District Council) to provide a curtilege for the arts centre.

At that time the proposed diversion of the leat in this area was agreed with the town council. Councillors assisted in negotiations to modify a covenant on the watermeadow.

Outline planning consent for the arts centre development was granted in December 2000 and an option agreement was granted to the trust by the freeholders in December 2002. The planning consent and the option clearly show the boundaries and the leat, and these are unchanged.

The detailed application currently before Kennet District Council is concerned with the external appearance of the proposed building. The trust's professional design team has had lengthy consultations with the district planning authority and the Environment Agency to ensure that materials and landscaping are attractive and sympathetic. The agency has endorsed the proposal.

The trust hosted a presentation on January 6 at which trustees and the architects explained all aspects of the detailed design. Invitations were extended to all town council members, adjoining owners and interested parties. About 70 attended but only four town councillors (including the mayor) were present.

The majority of town councillors continue to express support for the project and this is extremely important at a stage when there is a huge swell of community support.

It is a pity that town council members were apparently not aware of the stage reached in the planning process and were not able to meet the architects and the trustees. This would have allayed their concerns.

You will realise the trustees' disappointment and frustration at the decision and the trust board will discuss the dilemma of the town council at its next meeting. In the meantime the trust will continue to work with the district planning authority in the hope that Kennet District Council will be able to approve the application.

R BLAKE

Chairman

Kennet Valley Arts Trust