Dear editor - I was concerned to read Andrew McCabe's comments about the National Park Authority's decision to grant planning permission for a small affordable housing development on the Skrinkle estate, Manorbier (Letters, January 9th).

He suggests the application was bound to be approved as it concerned land sold by the County Council and the decision was taken by a committee on which the majority of members are county councillors.

The park authority is a separate body and the county council's role is solely to appoint members. Those councillors become authority members whose prime responsibility is to the park. In sitting on the development management committee they must determine planning applications in accordance with the authority's own development plan.

The authority's professional planners recommended approval as the site is within the development limits in the development plan, and there is a proven need to provide affordable housing in the area.

Objectors were allowed to address the committee, there was a robust debate on the matter and members undertook a site inspection. There was then a further debate at the next meeting when planning permission was granted.

The authority's duty is to protect where appropriate, but also to allow development where that is appropriate.

In the Skrinkle case, it is within the development limits, in an area where there are adequate alternative play areas, and will enable the provision of much needed affordable housing which the Government and our own communities are urging the authority to promote.

Nic Wheeler Chief Executive, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority