I REFER to the article by Shirley Matthias on Thursday April 22, entitled "Pleas for Action to Save Farmhouse." As the architects acting for the developers of Groundwell Farmhouse I wish to clarify certain points within the article.

Swindon Borough Council has often been heavily criticised in your journal but in this case I do not accept that Swindon planners have dragged their feet regarding this project.

Our negotiations with the council's officers have been cordial, very productive, and the officers have gone out of their way to assist us in achieving a satisfactory solution, which needs to satisfy many interested organisations, statutory consultees and, not least, residents who would have to live with the situation if we, or the council, get things wrong.

A successful outcome to this particular project requires a great deal of skill and care. It needs to be remembered that listed buildings and their juxtaposition to new development is a very complex planning issue with many obstacles having to be overcome.

In this case there are additional problems concerning important trees, access and archaeology. I believe in praise where due and, in my opinion, nothing more could have been asked of the council's staff. They need every encouragement to do a very difficult and often thankless job.

Perhaps it is only fellow architects and planners who have any sympathy, since we understand the process to be gone through to achieve a satisfactory development.

I would like to take this opportunity to assure your readers that my firm is very intent on securing the future of Groundwell Farmhouse, but to do so requires a good degree of commitment and patience.

I would encourage all concerned to allow the council's staff to do their job and I am certain the people of Swindon will see great benefit at the end of the process, which, hopefully, will result in this important building being properly safeguarded, while our clients can operate their dental practice from a wonderful environment.

Unfortunately, we are not in a position to do the same with the Mechanics' Institute or the Corn Exchange, but perhaps the developers who come to Swindon using outside firms may come to realise that the skills base to deal with these important historic buildings exists locally it is a shame that they choose not to use it, to the detriment of the local economy.

CHRISTOPHER MOORE

Managing Director

Wroughton