FOREST Heath District Council works hard to protect Newmarket's historic heritage, the Chairman of the council's Planning Committee says.
Councillor Rona Burt is responding to a media story  about a controversial development in Bury Road.
"The decision to allow the 20 flats was taken by a Government Planning Inspector and not Forest Heath District Council," said Councillor Burt. "As members of the Planning Committee we felt the design of the development was unacceptable and were concerned about the effect on the Conservation Area and about the loss of trees. These are all the issues that the residents are talking about. We agree with them, but in the end it wasn't our decision to make."
Councillor Burt said: "We appraise each application by seeking advice from our officers as our decision must fit with our own policies and national planning policy. We also consult other local authorities and neighbours. It is a rigorous process. Sometimes, as in this case, our views are overturned by a Government Inspector.
"We are very conscious of the historic nature of Newmarket and do our best to preserve it while allowing the town to meet the needs of the 21st century. I look forward to the opportunity to work with the Save Historic Newmarket Action Group," she said.
The Bury Road development, in the grounds of The Gables, has meant the loss of trees, but a comprehensive landscaping scheme has been agreed and will be implemented.