Clearer insight into coalition
IT was useful to have the comments about Lewes Coalition (letters, February 19) in response to my original letter of February 12, by way of providing clarification of their role as to planning matters in the town.
The letter from Pru Rowntree gave me some welcome reassurance in this respect. I had previously gained the impression somehow that Lewes Coalition were in opposition to the district council's planning department, when evidently the coalition exists to cooperate as far as possible with the council via the consultation process, which is as it should be.
This is especially important when it comes to evidence being given at public inquiries following refusals of planning consent, when costs can be (and sometimes are) awarded against planning authorities.
I do not think the misconceptions are entirely on my side, however.
Referring to the letter from Anthony Dicks, I firstly reject his assertion that I have a sycophantic view of the district planning department. I merely speak from experience on both sides of the public/private sector fence, for what that is worth. I would also point out that planning law and the planning process have both changed immeasurably since the original Town and Country Planning Act of 1947.
There is also no longer presumption in favour of development as Anthony Dicks asserts, even if cases like the Canon O'Donnell Centre might convey that impression to the Coalition. I am by no means against public participation in planning, but at least let it be informed.
Michael Parfect, Lewes.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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