THE next stage of the West Devon Local Plan which includes new housing development now starts and may result in Tavistock being subjected to unnecessary development unless local government planning procedures are subjected to greater scrutiny and as a result radically changed.
We need to see a major shake up in the way planning matters are processed and must involve a large number of local people in consultations. This is said at a time when complaints to local authorities about planning decisions are on the increase.
Most problems result from a bias within the system. Developers can appeal against refusal of planning permission, but no one can appeal against planning being granted, even when it goes against established policies.
Steps could be taken to address these concerns, these to include a limited right of third party challenge to planning decisions which move away from agreed policies. Perception is that local authorities are often 'handcuffed' by prohibitive appeal costs which stop controversial applications being legitimately refused. Greater powers should be given to the Local Ombudsman to investigate and enforce recommendations.
Without change there will continue to be problems because of the planning system . Once the current process starts and permission has been granted it is very difficult to change. There needs to be a more comprehensive consultation on all issues at the beginning, it avoids controversy in the long term and ensures a fairer system.
R Connelly
19 Manor Road
Saxon Heights
Tavistock