GRAHAM PHILLIPS, of Hope Cove, writes: I write with the caveat that I fully respect and appreciate the right of individuals to voice their opinion. Indeed, an exchange of differing views is essential for progress in the democratic world, where ­freedom of speech is cherished, even if the end result is 'to agree to disagree'. An additional caveat is to point out that in Hope Cove a significant number of second home-owners add much to the vibrancy and vitality of the village, being engaged in a range of activities that add much to the well-being of the community. That being said, I feel ­disappointed with some of the comments from second home-owners, made on the South Hams District Council planning website in connection with the Cottage Hotel. Many of them demonstrated ignorance, arrogance, selfishness and above all a complete lack of forward thinking. Rather like the leafy glades of the Home Counties or the industrial heartland of the Midlands, sleepy Hope Cove has to be involved in some sort of economic activity to generate wealth. Gone are the days when the village was full of cheerful, weathered fisherman sitting on the beach mending nets. Like many places in the South Hams, for the vast ­majority of its income, Hope Cove relies on the tourist industry. It is the life-blood of the community, and without attractive places for tourists to stay the place, as a tourist resort, would not exist. It is true that there would still be the aesthetic beauty of the sea, beaches and coastline to admire, but no staffed ­harbour-to-moor pleasure craft; no shop to buy your morning paper; no cafe to relax with a coffee; no pub to enjoy your evening pint; no hotels or restaurants to dine or reside at; no dancing in the streets during the summer; and no 'fun for all the family' at Hope Cove Weekend. For many years the Cottage Hotel has been at the forefront of the tourist trade in the village, and to maintain this it is essential to progress and develop. In other words, to move with the times while still maintaining a unique quality. As Darwin said: it is not the strongest, nor the fittest that survive, but those who are able to adapt to change. In my opinion the Cottage Hotel recognises this, and if it does not change, rather like unwatered grapes, it will ­wither on the vine, bringing down with it all the other facets I have mentioned.