I WAS extremely disappointed to read a letter from Richard and Karen Alexander (Tavistock/Okehampton Times, September 18) commenting on West Devon Borough Council's planning department. The letter not only contained factual inaccuracies, but their claims were totally unfounded, based on hearsay. At the time of writing we have yet to receive a planning application from Murex Energy for a wind turbine at Wreys Barton, Stowford. We have invited the applicant to engage with us in formal pre-application discussions but as yet they have not taken up this offer. Murex has held a public meeting as part of their consultation and we were invited to attend. However, it is not our normal practice to attend informal meetings between applicants and others, particularly where we do not have a formal application submitted and registered. It is important that officers and councillors remain impartial prior to any decisions being made. We try very hard to work closely with the parish councils and both applicants and objectors when dealing with planning applications. We have recently provided a parish council training workshop on renewable energy and assessing renewable energy applications so the resource is there to support parish councils. We have also provided a Renewable FAQs site which can be accessed by following the link http://wdbcweb.swdevon.lan/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=10665&p=0  ">http://wdbcweb.swdevon.lan/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=10665&p=0  ; In spite of the anecdotal 'evidence' Mr and Mrs Alexander have come across, I would stress that in my opinion we have an exceptionally good planning department which, although small, consistently outperforms most, if not all, of our neighbouring councils. I find the comment that the department is 'a law unto itself' to be offensive as out of all the services in this council, they are the most highly regulated and monitored by virtue of statute, national and local policies. It is very easy to criticise our officers when not being aware of the full facts of a situation, but we need to bear in mind that they have a very difficult job in trying to balance all of the various elements which go towards making a final decision on any one application. Our role as councillors is to serve and support the public. We also have a responsibility to support and encourage our staff whilst still ensuring that we provide a high quality service. We are always grateful to receive constructive criticism provided it is based on fact. Cllr Philip Sanders Leader West Devon Borough Council