Authorities must not shirk responsibilities

It is, at times, hard to view the planning process as anything other than a protracted saga. Certainly when it comes to the case of an illegal site at North Esk there could hardly be a more apt definition.

It is now five years since development began on the site. Despite numerous claims and counter claims, the controversy rolls on and – realistically – there is no end in sight.

Doubtless it has been a complex case and such issues are seldom likely to be solved over night.

But time is of the essence.

If situations are allowed to rumble on unchecked – as appears be the case in this example – taking decisive action only gets more difficult.

The authorities allowed the saga to drag on for far too long and it is easy to understand why some critics have described all the wrangling behind the eventual approval of enforcement action as little more than a waste of time.

In theory, of course, enforcement action should be the final chapter in the long-running story, but if nobody is prepared to take action, then what happens?

A forceful eviction is a far from pleasant process but, if all other avenues have been exhausted, then surely it must be pursued.

Commitment and determination are required. Sadly – thus far at least – there is little sign of either from the relevant authorities.