We are writing to you on behalf of a Community of Parishes that encompasses 13 Parish Councils and Ilminster Town Council. We represent local communities through which the A358 scheme passes. The Minutes of a project update meeting held on 29th September between National Highways and the Planning Inspectorate grossly misrepresents our efforts in providing proposals to mitigate the adverse impacts the scheme will have on our communities. This is one example of how our participation is being suppressed in order to avoid proper scrutiny of the scheme. The attached letter A358 Scheme_Suppression of Concerns describes our concerns and details our engagement with National Highways and local authorities. We ask that you take appropriate measures to ensure that National Highways is honest and transparent in its development and presentation of the scheme, and the Community of Parishes is fully involved throughout the DCO process. Please acknowledge receipt. Yours sincerely Robert Burrough and Peter Gregory On behalf of: Stoke St Mary Parish Council West Hatch Parish Council Hatch Beauchamp Parish Council Beercrocombe Parish Council Curry Mallet Parish Council Ashill Parish Council Broadway Parish Council Ilton Parish Council Horton Parish Council Donyatt Parish Council Pitminster Parish Council Combe St. Nicholas Parish Council Corfe Parish Council Ilminster Town Council

Thank you for your email and attachment. You may be aware that the proposed application above is currently at the Pre-application stage of the Planning Act 2008 process. Further information about the process can be found in the link below to the National Infrastructure Planning website: attachment 1 In respect of your concerns about the developer’s pre-application consultation you should contact National Highways in the first instance to enable them to address the issues. In respect of your concerns about the about the merits of the application, The Planning Inspectorate is unable to consider representations until it is accepted for Examination. Further information about the process can be found in the link below to the National Infrastructure Planning website: attachment 1 It is important that the developer is made aware of your comments at the Pre-application stage to enable them to consider the points raised before finalising their proposals and submitting the application. As you have contacted the developer but you are not satisfied that they have, or will, take account of your comments you can make your comments to the relevant local authority. The Planning Inspectorate will request the relevant local authorities’ view on the adequacy of the developer’s consultation when the application is submitted. Further information about the pre-application consultation process can be found here: attachment 3 The Planning Inspectorate has published a series of Advice Notes about the Planning Act 2008 process. ‘Advice Note Eight: Overview of the nationally significant infrastructure planning process for members of the public and others’ can be found here: attachment 4 You may find it helpful to subscribe to receive email notifications for key events that occur after an application has been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate. I hope this helps.