I EXPECTED BETTER

I DID a double take when I read the Scribbler’s page this week regarding the planning permission granted for the Grane Road development (November 26).

‘What price showing you’re listening to residents, and crikey, sticking up for residents?’

Would it have been responsible to approve the application in the sure knowledge that there were no planning grounds for refusal - especially after the Airtours experience that cost over £150,000?

Is the definition of madness not to keep doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome?

Is that a good use of taxpayer’s money? I don’t think so.

Aim your comments at the process, Scribbler, not those tasked with implementing it. On the subject of responsibility of public funds - I’m waiting with bated breath to hear when the Scout Moor Windfarm application will come forward again.

That’s the application that was approved under due process but overturned by the inspector.

With this government’s newly discovered green credentials I fully expect our MP to support what he objected to a few years ago.

In the meantime the revenue lost to the council from payments from the developer will have run into millions.

To say - and I quote again from the Scribbler - that we have a development control committee afraid to stand up for Rossendale - is ill informed and offensive.

I expected better from the Scribbler.

Coun Jackie Oakes Stacksteads ward