CONFUSION over planning responses sent to West Devon Borough Council has led Tavistock Town Council members to request all such future correspondence be signed for.
Concern was expressed at the recent town council meeting following a letter from West Devon's chief executive David Incoll. In it he explained reasons behind a written planning communication, delivered, but which failed to reach the case officer in time.
The letter, referring to a specific planning application, said the town council's responses were received on April 11. Due to a 'combination of factors' the case officer, primarily based in Okehampton, was not aware of the comments until after the report had been printed.
'This should not normally happen but was due to Easter falling within the relevant preparation period,' said the letter.
'Not only did this mean that reports were prepared earlier than normal within the committee cycle but also that officers were not able to carry out their normal informal checking as to responses received to consultations.'
However, the letter stated that the views of the town council were considered by the planning officer prior to the relevant meeting and reported orally at that meeting. Also, that as a result of this incident the planning services manager was 'reviewing procedures' and would contact the town council further.
However Tavistock Town Cllr John Wright called the letter a 'totally unacceptable reply'.
'We mustn't let it stop there. This is a "leaves-on-the-line" letter. That is something we cannot anticipate — but Easter is something that even West Devon Borough Council could,' said Cllr Wright.
He added that the matter was not reported orally at the meeting.
Town mayor Judith Williams said they must now wait for the report to come out.
'I suggest in the future that. when we make our comments, we don't put them in the letter box. We get them signed so that we will have a document showing that they have been received,' she said.