Less impact from mini zoo than nearby estate

I was somewhat astonished to read in the Maidenhead Advertiser (March 29),

'Council rejects mini zoo plans'.

An application by Wildway Wildlife Ltd to change the use of a site at Lower Mount Farm, Long Lane, Cookham to a mini zoo and wildlife centre has been refused by the Royal Borough citing reasons as mainly (quote from Maidenhead Advertiser) the proposed development would be inappropriate on greenbelt land, would result in loss of openness to greenbelt land and harm greenbelt land; the erection of buildings, fencing and hard surfacing are all alien to the surrounding farmland, and would be at odds with the character and appearance of the area; the level of noise and activity at the site would significantly increase; unacceptable harm to neighbouring amenities, increased traffic and the safety for vehicles to enter and exit the site and cause harm to surrounding highways etc. etc. etc.

This same borough council are due to consider a planning application for a housing development on a site in very close proximity to the mini zoo, in fact it's only a stone's throw away. The developers, Bellway, have revised some aspects of their original application for further public consultation.

Cookham residents and residents of several neighbouring villages have already raised strong objections to the housing development based on all those points listed above for the rejection of the mini zoo.

When considering the revised application, will the borough council adopt the same view that this housing development on greenbelt and farmland will have a huge impact on village roads, main through-roads, village amenities, increased pollution, wildlife and the environment and therefore refuse this application as they did with the mini zoo, which would hardly be a blot on the landscape compared to the monstrosity of a massive housing development?

We will wait and see whether this borough council will act with a degree of consistency.

ANGELA SMITH Southwood Gardens

Cookham