I write in connection with the planning application for the “erection of supporting poles and linking wire associated with the creation of an ERUV (continuous boundary designated in accordance with Jewish law) in 50 locations and erection of circa 700m of additional fencing around Hale and Altrincham”.

I have already submitted my opposition to this plan to Trafford but have today been to inspect the maps and associated documents at Hale Library. There is a slick professionalism to this submission that I find bordering on the arrogant.

How is it that a smaller part of the larger community seeks to dominate an area with a structure to enable its own anachronistic practices? This area to be encompassed is not a Jewish community in isolation, but contains people of many faiths and none. In the current political situation vis a vis integration of various cultures within the UK I think this is extremely adverse and could spark neighbourhood tensions.

The domination of one religious culture over another is not in accord with our secular society and therefore unwelcome and could be extremely contentious and lead to intolerance.

The planning notifications state that the purpose of the structures is to complete a symbolic boundary which only has a spiritual significance and as such the Eruv is not a development and so does not require planning permission. How can this be so?

There is more than enough unattractive street furniture within this area - not least many very tall mobile phone masts and poles. I use a mobile phone so am grateful for the easy access to my network, but that does not mean that I am content with those and other tall, unattractive structures on our pavements. It is proposed that some 95 x 6 metre poles are to be erected.

Surely in the 21st Century, the Rabbi could issue a decree that within the specific geographic area a virtual Eruv can be just as effective?

Julie Brinnand
Altrincham