Two letters to the editor in last week’s paper accused Councillor Alan Hill of being incorrect regarding Wiltshire Council planning policy relating to affordable housing.

I was at the meeting on Tuesday January 25 2011, at which Coun Hill made the comments that were reported and I watched as he quoted them verbatim from the 2011 Local Plan ( of which I also have a copy), in particular from Policy H5 (ii) on page 40. What he said was not wrong. He was quoting from the policy. Indeed the Appeals Inspector acknowledged Policy H5 in his decision letter, but stated that he judged there to be reasons for over-riding the policy.

It was, in fact, that the statement giving those reasons was taken at face value at the appeal, because there was not a representative of Wiltshire Council housing department present for questioning, that caused Coun Hill to express his dissatisfaction with the process. His view was supported by all members of the Calne Town Council planning committee as shown within the minutes.

Councillor Emma Holton, Calne Town Council planning committee.