MOUNT OSWALD I WAS surprised to read that Banks Developments is appealing to the Secretary of State over its business park plans for Mount Oswald, in Durham City, when the proposal has yet to be voted on by the city council (Echo, Dec 22).

It seems this highly complex application, vigorously opposed by a large number of local people, and requiring consultation with regional organisations, is taking longer to process than the guideline time limit set by the Government, and Banks Developments is upset.

But surely it is best to get the right decision, and if getting it right takes longer, so be it.

One certain fact is that this proposal is overwhelmingly opposed by local residents. Having surveyed the whole of the Neville's Cross ward, out of about 240 respondents, only three were in favour of a business park at Mount Oswald, and 85 per cent wanted the golf course to remain as is.

The proposal is at odds with the local plan, and would have a massive adverse impact on traffic congestion on the local road network.

I hope the council planning committee does turn this down, and if Banks does force a public inquiry, I and many others will continue to the fight in that arena. - Councillor Nigel Martin, Liberal Democrat, Durham City Council.