Am I the only one who thinks the timber cabin, built in Sheriff Hutton without planning permission (mentioned in your paper of May 13), looks very good nestled in the landscape of the area?

It doesn’t seem to be one of the huge monstrosities, looking completely out of place, which we sometimes have to put up with where they have received planning permission. Why do planning authorities wield such a heavy hand in cases like this?

If, as your article states, consideration is given to, “the public interest”, I should like someone to explain how this development would go against public interest. Is the public being used as a scapegoat for planning authorities to hide behind?

I know of other examples where planning authorities seem to take it as a personal affront when a private individual dares to approach them with (or without) a planning application, expecting to be treated fairly and sensibly.

Unfortunately, all too often “the little man” is treated with utter contempt.

There is no regard for reason or expense. In fact, I would go so far as to say in cases where a private individual wants to build himself a new home, he very often is treated as a second-class citizen when, surely, he should be encouraged and assisted.

Isn’t it people of vision and courage who made Britain great?

To force someone who has gone to the great effort and expense of building themselves a home (no small achievement) to pull it down because of bureaucracy (high-handedness), well, to me, that is the criminal offence.

BM Cosens, Amotherby