I felt I had to write about the article (Gazette, September 10) about Mr Moonflower, who had the audacity to repair his property without planning consent, and now, because he did so, it has to be demolished.

The Tendring Council planning services are a service within the council to serve us the public, funded by us, the taxpayers.

It appears that prior to any repair works, Mr Moonflower was advised by a senior planning officer that should he wish to repair the then existing, albeit dilapidated, cottage like-for-like, providing it was not listed or it was not extended and stood upon its original foundations, for repairs, such as replacing defective timbers, windows, roof tiles etc.

planning consent was not required.

He was also advised to obtain building regulations approval to ensure his repairs were of adequate standards, which he did.

Apparently the building inspector then inspected every stage of this job to its final conclusion, giving it a building completion certificate, which confirms the property was repaired to a standard fit to live in.

Mr Moonflower was even sent a letter advising the time allowed to start the repairs would soon lapse, prompting him to start.

Shock-horror and surprise, the senior planning officer who stated the repairs were allowable, not requiring planning consent, turned up 12 months after the repairs had started to tell Mr Moonflower they had been monitoring and photographing the progress.

While they were obviously on the very boundaries to take photos of the repair work, why, I ask, didn’t the planners let their presence be known and not ask for the work to stop or write any type of letter expressing concern? Mr Moonflower ought to be allowed to keep his repaired property.

Any question of prosecution should be set against all this. I will be in support of the Moonflower family at the public meeting at the council offices in Thorpe Road, Weeley.

Mrs B Powell
Magdalen Road
Clacton