HOW WILL the date November 29, 2006 go down in the history of Uttlesford? Will awareness of integrated, joined-up government influence planning in Uttlesford? Will all relevant government policies and all current thinking on economic, health and environ

HOW WILL the date November 29, 2006 go down in the history of Uttlesford?

Will awareness of integrated, "joined-up" government influence planning in Uttlesford?

Will all relevant government policies and all current thinking on economic, health and environmental welfare come into the equation when councillors exercise their judgment to weigh officer "recommendation" in balance with "material considerations"?

Will future generations have cause to despair of, or admire, planning officers and members of Uttlesford's development control committee when analysing the history of our land in 50 years time?

On Sunday morning I walked in Hatfield Forest. More than 50 years ago my husband, as a child, also walked in Hatfield Forest.

Soon I shall be walking through the forest with another grandchild.

Will that grandchild's grandchildren be taken to walk along its paths and through its meadows?

Will they climb exhausted stumps of ancient trees, watch the birds by the

lake, learn to ride a bicycle in safety?

In the end, will common sense prevail?

Suzanne Walker, The Old Post Office, Radwinter