TAVISTOCK'S Parish Poll and the widespread individual and official criticisms of West Devon Borough Council's Core Strategy during July are having effect. The council has taken on board much of the criticism and acknowledges the need for revision of the document. Details have been published by the future planning and housing committee. Good! It is very heartening to know that the system works. It is how the process is meant to function.
However, it is all too easy to think that all is now well and nothing more can be done. Complacency will be disastrous — the process is by no means over.
The revised document will be presented to committee for approval after Christmas.
We, the voters, are not to know what it will contain until it is published.
There will be no further consultation period.
Most importantly, there is no indication anywhere of any fundamental change to its thrust. In other words the same urban sprawl policy is still there. And recognition of extensive rural need is still only half-heartedly acknowledged.
The decline of our rural communities is well documented, along with their loss of post offices, shops and pubs. So is the devastating effect of urban sprawl.
The only way now for the public to have any further influence in this, is by approaching their councillors — they are the ones who will be voting for or against the new document. If they vote for the policy in the way it would appear to be heading, it will mean a catastrophe for Tavistock, repeating what is to be found all over the country, and be a betrayal of our rural communities.
Councillors will be responsible if that is allowed to happen.
Jeremy Davies
Tavistock