‘Developers have been shaping SMDC Local Plan’

IF YOUR readers are interested in knowing whose interests are being served in the Local Plan currently being considered by the independent inspector they need look no further than the documentation that makes up the Inspector’s file.

Over a period of years prior to the current hearing it is clearly demonstrated that SMDC planners and some councillors have held secret meetings with developers (often described as key stakeholders), whose interests are clearly intended to make and shape the Planning Policies for years to come (currently until 2031 but due to be extended in the LP process to 2036).

Only after firm plans are in place are residents consulted and almost never are their views and wishes listened to and acted upon.

The yawning gap that exists between developers’ interests, the egotistical desires of local planners and what residents want is nowhere better demonstrated than in the Statement of Community Interest.

Readers might wish to compare and contrast comments made at:

▶ Paragraph 3.12-“local ownership and legitimacy of the policies that will shape future development in the district.”

▶ Paragraph 3.23- “the Council will involve, listen to and respond to the local community .... ”

Readers should then ask themselves