No confidence in the planning system

The planning system is broken. The root of the problem lies in the lack of skill set amongst councillors who are placed in a position which calls on them to make judgements over extremely important proposals, which in Bath are particularly so, as the City is the only one in the UK to have World Heritage Status. The other systemic problem is that policies are written so they can be interpreted in so many ways. They offer planners and councillors the opportunity to make their decisions based on personal prejudice, simply on the basis of the privilege of the office they hold and the power that comes with it. A prime example of this is demonstrated by the cricket ground proposals - condemned by commentators, the planners and Historic England, yet approved simply because one councillor thought the proposal better than a car park. Although this site is important in conservation terms, it pales into insignificance when compared to the Recreation Ground where the planners have encouraged to the rugby club’s stadium proposals. To offer any encouragement is to ignore national and local government conservation policies, that if given their deserved full weight would condemn any stadium out of hand. The encouragement offered to the club by the planners and some councillors is quite frankly shocking, as it is clear that they are prepared to sacrifice the historic environment of the city for the benefit of a business occupying charity land for personal enrichment. Mertin Farrell Bath