Great Bedwyn Parish Council remains concerned over the Tottenham House project (February 3) and its impact on the area.

We have voiced these concerns to the developer's architect and to Kennet District Council, and have asked for clarification on a number of issues. The matters that worry us include where the water is to come from, traffic both during construction and thereafter, the staffing of the resort, and the effects on the community.

We understand that arrangements are likely to be agreed for the water to be provided from Newbury, rather than the Bedwyn Pumping Station as proposed. This is good news as there is little or no spare capacity locally (according to Thames Water).

We have not received any useful information on the traffic issues or any indication that Highways have altered their view that the roads to the site are inadequate for the purpose.

The concern about staffing arises from advice that there are very few potential employees in the area and that existing hotels rely heavily on overseas labour.

This is not a problem in principle, excepting that the planning application is based on there being almost no resident staff at the proposed resort, and that the staff, numbering about 200, would be bussed in daily. This does not seem credible and we are concerned that the present application would be followed soon after by an application to build staff housing. The developer has poo-pooed our concerns but they are supported by other hoteliers we have consulted.

In addition to the lake, the resort will need a 16 million gallon reservoir to irrigate the golf course during dry weather. The intention is to fill the reservoir from the mains during the winter months. The site of this has yet to be confirmed.

During the open days at Tottenham House a number of the Great Bedwyn Parish Council voiced their concerns and were not re-assured by the responses. The developer's representative offered to arrange a meeting with the potential water provider so that the worries could be addressed.

Since then, we have received no answers and have been advised that the developer is not willing to arrange a meeting, and that we must look to the district council for information. Kennet is not willing to arrange any such meetings. My understanding is that Kennet is still waiting for proper responses to queries.

The proposed development is the largest to affect this area and may bring some benefits but until adequate answers to the concerns are available, Great Bedwyn Parish Council remains opposed to it.

M.H.Goss

Parish clerk

Great Bedwyn