I HAVE read with interest about the formation of the Okehampton and Area Residents' Action Group and its critical views (concerning mainly planning issues) made by West Devon Borough Council.
Some of the criticisms are unfounded as planning regulations are by no means an exact science. It is possible that local opposition for a proposed development is intensely strong and, for this situation, having the support of the town council. Such applications are then considered by the planning committee of West Devon Borough Council. They can and sometimes do reject the recommendation of their paid officers and permission to develop can be refused.
The developer need not accept this and can re-submit his application time after time. An impasse results in the application being considered by an independent planning inspector being called in to adjudicate.
Should he decide the refusal for development is to be upheld, the developer still has a very important ace up his sleeve. He can elect to place the matter for consideration by the High Court. This immediately starts alarm bells ringing at the local authority who are well aware of the huge costs involved should judgement be given against them. Such sums to be funded by the local council tax payers.
Very few local authorities would have the financial muscle to embark on such a course, or be prepared to face the wrath of the electorate should things go wrong.
So despite their awareness of the situation, permission to develop is finally given and the High Court lottery avoided.
This has possibly been the circumstances where very recently at the seaside town of Sheringham in Norfolk, Tesco has finally won a 14-year battle to develop — despite intense local opposition over all that time.
Money has triumphed yet again — sadly twas ever thus.
Ted Cann
Exeter Road
Okehampton