We write on behalf of 112 Kingsbridge residents who may or may not be represented within the results of the South Hams District Council ­quayside consultation survey.

We are five residents of Kingsbridge and its surrounding villages who are keen to ensure that a balanced view of opinions regarding the potential quayside development

is heard by the councils and that SHDC is aware of the ­limitations of the survey it has undertaken.

Many members of the Kingsbridge community did not complete the survey because they felt it did not allow them to express their opinion freely, with several questions offering a narrow choice of options, malfunctioning ‘options’ in the earliest ­edition and a biased agenda.

Therefore we conducted a simple poll on Facebook between July 18 and 23 to ask the question: “In principle, do you think that Kingsbridge could benefit from redevelopment of the quayside area in any form, regardless of the ­current plans. Please comment ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.”

Responding ‘yes’ were 112 people – 96.5 per cent, with 36 adding that they wish to see development, but not those ­currently proposed by SHDC. Some offered details of their ideas.

Four, or 3.5 per cent, said ‘no’ due to concerns about car ­parking and a loss of Fore Street business.

This ‘straw poll’ may have reached a different audience from that represented at the public consultation and by ­survey participants, so we feel that it is important the district and town councils are aware of the results.

Here is a summary of the ­elements we believe are crucial for any proposal:

* The plans must be imaginative and sensitive to the setting. The current proposal lacks imagination and threatens to crowd the quayside and spoil the estuary view.

* Truly affordable housing – ie 50 per cent of local market value – is crucial. And waterside homes at market value should be for year-round residence, not holiday homes.

* A significant area of green space should be included on the quayside, plus dedicated space for creativity – workshops, studios etc – and community use, such as a picnic area, a wide promenade and community rooms for youth groups, public gatherings, concerts and exhibitions. To neglect these in favour of residential buildings will not benefit the current community.

* The importance of adequate car parking for the town must not be underestimated and should be addressed.

* Kingsbridge Fair Week and the food and music festival are important to the community.

We feel passionately that sensitive, creative development has the potential to enhance our town and inject some life back into the economy and Fore Street by attracting visitors all year round.

We have many ideas about how this might be achieved and hope that the dialogue between SHDC and Kingsbridge Town Council will remain open beyond July so that more appropriate plans can be discussed.

Those of us undersigned are willing to assist the town ­council and contribute ideas, opinions and skills for the next stage of the proposals, joining with local groups to represent our community.

We sincerely hope that the council will acknowledge the views represented in this letter as it considers Kingsbridge’s initial response to the quayside proposal.

Steve Arblaster, Bearscombe, with Dr Karen Bevan-Mogg, Ed Barker, Sarah-Jane Glanville and Phil Robinson