I WRITE in despair at South Lakeland District Council's planning committee members' decision to agree permission for a McDonald's in Ulverston ('Go ahead for McDonald's', July 4).

The individuality of such a great town is in danger of disappearing - the irony being that some people have a vision that is in keeping with the preservation of Ulverston's character, yet this can be swept away so easily by a few.

Where has democracy gone when a few elected members ignore the views of a number outweighing them?

This is another edge-of-town development where all profits will disappear. Once permission is given it cannot be revoked and more will follow.

In future I recommend asking the people who elected you and, if it means going against policy, get policy changed. Now that would be worthwhile.

PS They wouldn’t have allowed McDonald's in Grasmere, Cartmel, Hawkshead etc. They treat Ulverston like a dustbin.

Robert Silverwood

Gawthwaite, Ulverston