IN response to Mr Dolman's letter of March 25, please may I add a few words of clarification.

The public spaces and local plans panel does not, of itself, have decision-making powers. It makes recommendations to the executive of North Wiltshire District Council after having a full discussion in public, as part of the process of open government.

The panel considered the Springfield School site because it was asked to do so by Persimmon Homes, supported by Wiltshire County Council.

The county council wish to dispose of this site and to use whatever funds are necessary to provide purpose-built facilities in accordance with modern requirements for the education of the children with special needs who are presently at the school.

There have been huge advances in recent years regarding the best way to support and nurture these young people so that they can fulfil their true potential, both academically and socially. The old-style "special needs school" is not necessarily the best way to equip them to grow and find their way in adult world.

The panel's recommendation to include the Springfield site in the local plan is therefore made on sound planning guidelines. We are suggesting a rider that "it should not be developed until the new replacement school is built and operational".

If the executive agrees to include the Springfield School site in the local plan, there will in due course be a planning application for the site. At that stage, the council's policies regarding open space, affordable housing, access and other matters will come into the negotiations as to exactly what kind of development will be permitted. The decision on that planning application will be taken in public, with the normal opportunities for local people to scrutinise the plans, to make their objections or proposals and to speak during the debate.

During the panel meeting, the accusation was made that the council do not listen to local people. Anyone who attends our development control meetings can see that local people do have their say and are listened to with respect. Indeed, in the same panel meeting, people from Wootton Bassett said how very pleased they were with the proposals for the St Ivel site planning brief, which have resulted from the discussions and negotiations between themselves and officers and members of the council.

D DARBY

Colerne