Letter: Councillors Can Only Make Reasoned Planning Decisions If They Have All the Facts

Published on: 11 Dec, 2020
Updated on: 11 Dec, 2020

From: Norman Bristow

In response to: Judge Quashes Ash Green Building Permits Over ‘Seriously Misled’ Guildford Council

As a member of the AGRA [Ash Green Residents’ Association] committee, I am only too aware of the amount of time, effort and stress that has gone into bringing about the judicial review which, had the officers done their job properly, would not have been necessary.

I appreciate that the planning officers are under pressure from central government and the developers to get houses built, but they must not lose sight of the fact that they are supposed to act in a fair and impartial manner.

This must surely be the time for a full review of the planning system. I have sat through several planning meetings where there have been errors, inaccuracies or omissions in the officers’ report with no opportunity to comment.

The councillors can only reach a reasoned decision if they are presented with all the facts in an unbiased manner.