MADAM - While I have come to expect unfounded political mischief-making from my political opponents on the matter of Javelin Park I expected better from the editorial comment of the Stroud News & Journal.

Just so it is absolutely clear, there is no basis in fact or any evidence that the Secretary of State had delayed the decision on the appeal by Balfour Beatty in respect of the proposed waste facility for “political grounds”, and any self-respecting politician who has served on a planning committee knows this.

The delays in the decision are twofold – firstly further evidence presented by GlosVain and Stroud District Council, who both oppose the proposal, and secondly waste policy guidance – the Secretary of State has therefore written to all parties – inviting further comment for his consideration with an expected decision date in December.

My position is clear, I objected to this planning application at both the planning committee and inspector’s hearing and have maintained my opposition throughout.

I would put it to your readers that in light of the further submissions, if the Secretary of State had not invited further comment from interested parties, then my political opponents would be criticising him for rushing to a hasty decision.

Instead all parties are being given a full opportunity for final comment before he reaches a decision, which in my opinion should be to reject this particular application.

Neil Carmichael Stroud MP