PIPPA WOODS, of Aveton Gifford, Kingsbridge, writes: What is to become of the South Hams? Do we really want to build the largest and flashiest possible hotels in order to compete with Torbay? The monstrosity shown in the press to be built as a replacement for the Tides Reach at Salcombe looks just like a fancy multi-storey car park, although I am told there are endless hotels of that sort by beaches in many parts of the world. Who wants them here? A few years ago we were informed that large hotels were no longer popular or viable; self-contained holiday accommodation was the thing and several medium/large hotels were converted into flats. Many years ago in Southern Ireland I met a family who said they used to holiday at Hope Cove, but that they had given it up as spoilt. I wonder what they would think of it now? Or even worse next year if the Cottage Hotel's huge extension should be allowed. Why does everything have to get bigger? The Cottage appears to be most successful – well-run and well-patronised. With ­permission already given for another huge hotel expansion in the other half of Hope, what sort of a place will our one-time charming fishing village become? Its beaches and swimming provide wonderful family holidays, but will the sort of people who like large, smart hotels really want to stay at Hope Cove? Indeed, who will occupy the multi-storey 'luxury boutique' building proposed at South Sands, Salcombe? If you believe that nothing can stand still, all has to go ­forward, get bigger and smarter, and you don't like the South Hams as it is, go off to Torbay or Blackpool and indulge your entrepreneurial spirit there. Otherwise, encourage our councillors to accept that the South Hams, as it is, is a good place to live. By all means let us have modest new business ventures providing year-round employment for locals and houses for them to live in. But please keep our lovely landscape free from further intrusions and preserve the quality of life that most of us enjoy so much here. A last, horrendous thought: what hideous ruins these overlarge buildings will become when they are no longer fashionable and they do not have enough – and rich enough – clients to pay for their upkeep.