Council officers are unable to respond to newspaper criticism. I am happy to do so on their behalf.

So far, the NHS dental practice in Devizes has not formally applied for change of use on the former butcher's premises in the High Street.

The council's response to an informal approach was merely to identify the fact that existing planning policy, to which my colleagues are party, does not encourage change of use from retail in a town where correspondents are quick to criticise the quality of the retail offer.

Mr White and his colleagues were, therefore, acting in accordance with a policy agreed by members in responding as they did to this informal enquiry. I have already expressed the view to the practice that I believe that their publication of this information was premature and frustrates rather than necessarily helps its cause at this time.

Meanwhile, my council colleague, Ray Parsons, has asked that the application, when it is received, be called in so that members may give it their consideration and, if the circumstances are appropriate, recommend that the policy on retail premises be overridden.

It would now be helpful if that process were allowed to take place without any further premature and misplaced criticism of the officers.

Coun N Carter

Devizes North Ward