I ATTENDED a planning meeting of Ryedale District Council on Tuesday, July 1, in connection with an outline planning request for a development adjacent to Sutton Grange Farm, which is a listed building located off Langton Road, Norton.

I was appalled at the discussion that took place between some of the elected members of the planning committee.

Their comments were totally out of context with the business in hand and the fact that any proposed development in this area will impinge on this listed building.

The fact that approval has been given to eight bungalows in close proximity matters not, because they are behind a belt of trees and do not impinge.

Also that approval has been given to convert Sutton Grange into flats matters not because the structure will remain as of now and also prevents the building from becoming another ruin.

Fortunately, one of the planning committee members stepped in and suggested that before any vote was taken a site visit be arranged and this was agreed.

I could not believe my ears to hear that this discussion had taken place when the majority of the council had not been to see the site.

Ken Fisher, Norton