Sir, – Paddy Blagden's support (Letters, September 2) for Jeremy Hunt's opposition to the proposed back garden multiple development in Old Compton Lane/Lynch Road is very well-founded – as of course is Jeremy Hunt's opposition. But it is the system which is really to blame rather than individuals. A fundamental flaw of the planning system is the diluting effect of the way in which the merits of applications are considered. Relevant factors – including overall local/surrounding density of development – are viewed against that prevailing at the time of an application. Each new permitted development therefore reduces that overall local standard; and even over a relatively short timespan it can be seen that successive new developments proliferate more and more against the original standard – which is gradually eroded on a cumulative basis. This effect is not only inherent to the system but in recent years has been heightened, encouraged and facilitated by the stance of both our Deputy Prime Minster and also SEERA in encouraging over-development of sites. This has the effect of a lowering of standards and particularly in previously high-amenity areas. In south Farnham it has given rise to an increased incidence of new development which in essence consists of properties in larger grounds being viewed by some as no more than building plots for redevelopment. It is a disgrace and unhappily – as with so much else in public administration now (particularly in relation to the EU) – it occurs by stealth and is consequently largely unrecognised and unknown. James Fenton, Compton Way, Moor Park, Farnham
