David Cohen, chairman, Hands Off Whitestrand Campaign 1999, of Drake Road, Salcombe, writes:

While the post-EU Referendum outcome remains the only news on offer to us, it was with deep concern that

I read about South Hams Council’s planning application to partly commercialise Whitestrand by decking over a section of its space, before – presumably – renting it out to a retail or catering outlet.

It was an announcement that brought back memories of 1999, when we heard of plans to also build on part of the square, except for the fact that a ­community-driven campaign, called Hands off Whitestrand, was able to change minds in Totnes. We were able to reserve all future options for this ­strategic waterfront site and the part it will play in securing Salcombe’s even better future.

The campaign was an ­astonishing demonstration of community discontent and resultant democratic power, while 17 years on Whitestrand is much the same place as it was in 1999.

But the moment may at last be approaching when the site can indeed realise its best potential for us, including for our local economy. And I say this because Salcombe is of course preparing a neighbourhood plan, from which a long-term vision will hopefully emerge to the community’s ­satisfaction, including for how this precious area of waterfront open space can serve the town.

So the questions I raised at the last town council meeting included: ‘Why is the district council even thinking to submit a planning application for the part-commercialisation of Whitestrand, when taxpayers’ money and volunteer time is being spent on a neighbourhood plan?’

We need cast-iron assurances to be given that the district council will ensure the very best planning practice for the square, as opposed to giving priority to ‘sweating the asset’, ie extracting as much money as possible through its (even part) commercial redevelopment.

I know a lot of people are already very concerned about the planning application; ­therefore I hope this letter will provide some helpful history to those who were neither living or working in Salcombe all those years ago, or working at the planning authority.

So with the benefit of what’s happened in the past, I hope everyone will begin by ­supporting the town council’s request for comments on the application to be deferred, so a programme of public consultation can be arranged as an immediate and necessary step.

As far as I am concerned, the future of Whitestrand is as important a local decision as the EU Referendum has been for the nation.