I would like to stick up for those on the planning committee who, in my experience, always do their very best to support the wishes of the people who elected them.

When these plans first came in front of the planning committee, officers recommended approval but members went against their recommendation and thought it would be an eyesore.

Members suggested that Highland Homes put in new plans that were more in keeping with the area, which they did. A second set of plans were drawn up but members rejected these too.

A third set of plans were drawn up and members recommended that these should replace the original plans and be approved. However, our officers did not advise that we had exceeded the time limit. Whose fault was this? Not the councillors but the planning officers.

We, as a council, do our best to support what the public wants. However, sometimes we are prevented from doing so by the actions of the officers as it is an officer-led council.

Cllr Terry Waters
Eriswell and The Rows
Forest Heath Council