WE, the residents of Plum Street, are much aggrieved at the decision of Ryedale District Council planning committee to approve the re-development of the historic Cornucopia pub ('Ugly pub plan given approval', April 14).

Members of the planning committee, Yorkshire Water and English Heritage have a duty to listen to residents' issues and concerns.

At no point during this application have they done this. Half the residents were not even aware this application had been approved until reading the article in the Press. We feel the decision was railroaded through, even though there are so many important issues which have been overlooked and are still unresolved.

Objections from 17 residents, Bethel Chapel and Norton Parish Council were ignored concerning the destruction of an historic pub, inappropriate design within a conservation area, parking, sewage problems and access for amenity and emergency services.

Because the planning committee and Yorkshire Water have no issue with the increased volume of sewage because of the over-development of this site, we invite them into our gardens to help with the clear up of raw sewage when the Victorian sewage system overflows for the fourth time in the past six years - not a very pleasant experience!

We thank Coun Keel who opposed this application. To paraphrase his quote in the article: "Ryedale District Council and Yorkshire Water, along with English Heritage, have looked at this application with a blindfold on".

Steve Dykes,

On behalf of all the residents of Plum Street (names supplied), Norton,

Malton.

Updated: 11:17 Thursday, April 21, 2005