I will not dwell on the supreme act of vandalism planned by East Devon District Council for the demolishment of the current Longboat Cafe building and adjacent public shelter, or on the unbelievably inappropriate monstrosity intended to replace them, but

I will not dwell on the supreme act of vandalism planned by East Devon District Council for the demolishment of the current Longboat Cafe building and adjacent public shelter, or on the unbelievably inappropriate monstrosity intended to replace them, but I do, however, have some outstanding concerns that I believe need addressing in the public forum.

Firstly, where in the principles of democracy does it permit a group of elected officials to ignore completely the voice of 200-plus electors and the local town council in favour of two individuals' business ambitions?

Secondly, when and why did East Devon District Council decide the public shelter was no longer required?

Having done so, was the availability of the shelter made public so that other interested parties could submit a bid, or is its disposal just a cosy little arrangement between EDDC and the current proprietors of the Longboat Cafe worthy of further investigation?

Indeed, how much is being paid for this prime piece of public property and adjacent land?

Finally, the EDDC planning committee did not appear to address three important issues in their deliberations.

The only access to the proposed new building is along a pedestrian thoroughfare. How are deliveries and collections to be made?

Are pedestrians going to be endangered by a host of vehicles driving up and down the seafront promenade each day?

From the artist's sketches, the proposed new building would appear to occupy the whole site. Where are the waste and recycling bins to be positioned?

Is yet another public area to be annexed to house them? Will they be seagull proof? Will they attract rats?

Last, but not least, the curved aluminium roof proposed for the new building will make a wonderful reflector for the sun. What studies have been done to mitigate such reflection and ensure motorists driving down from the War Memorial are not blinded at certain times of the day?

Nigel Vaughan-Smith,

15 Sherwood Drive,

Exmouth.