IT is gratifying to see our MP Mark Harper taking a stand against unjustified housing developments in his constituency.

However, it was only back in May that he stated that, "planning is a matter outside of my jurisdiction" in respect of the Sedbury development, so his recent interventions in such matters are surprising to say the least.

Whatever his reasons – and it is likely that Allaston and (if appealed) Tutshill and Berry Hill will be decided after the forthcoming election – his comment regarding obtaining assurances from the council regarding its "calculations of housing need" shows exactly how out of touch he is with what is already a well-documented situation.

– Democratic Planning, Sedbury.