Brian Parker, of Crossparks, Dartmouth, writes: In respect of the Dartmouth housing scheme, Cllr David Gent and the other members of the Dartmouth Council planning committee, bar one, are to be commended for taking a robust line in recommending to South Hams District Council that Millwood Homes' latest proposal for the West Dart development be rejected. This town does not need an extra 200-plus houses for retirees or second home ­owners, mostly incomers. What it does need is accommodation for the younger and less well-off people of the town. The two councils are absolutely right to ensure that half the houses in the scheme are affordable. The odd man out on the committee is Cllr Richard Cooke, whose comments, if reported correctly, do not make sense. He appears to favour agreeing to the proposal on the grounds that it has taken time to get this far and other developers would likely produce much the same proposals. If the proposals are grossly unfavourable to the town, as these are, they should be summarily rejected, ­whatever the time taken. Does Cllr Cooke not realise that the miserable 14 per cent proportion of affordable homes in the proposal would only scratch the problem of the ­waiting list and a further three or more similar housing schemes would be needed to meet the council's commitment in just this one instance? Where would these estates go? It seems that Millward Homes, which will be fully aware of the council's targets for affordable content, is just trying it on. The council should stand firm.