Madam,

I would like to respond to the letter from K Jones, Harlech, re: National Park planning process ‘not fit for purpose’, 6 September 2018.

K Jones’ letter proves yet again that there is quite a lot of ignorance over how the planning system works.

If Mr Jones’ dealings with the planners have, and still are, a nightmare, then his applications must be a nightmare for the planners to deal with.

So far as planning officers ignoring independent ecologists and experts in favour of their own - well, of course! What makes independent ecologists and experts better than in-house staff? These officers have exactly the same knowledge and power and to think that the local authority goes over their ‘in-house’ knowledge is, in my view, disgraceful! Mr Jones also argues that the service should have been quicker due to two previous, lapsed applications already having been approved. This is because the application approvals are there for five years and, in that time, there are planning changes which need to be addressed which weren’t there five years previously, therefore requiring some of the application to be re-looked at and approved accordingly.

If, as is suggested, there is an independent body brought in to audit the planning department, what makes Mr Jones think that the planners would then work in a professional manner? These planners are professional people in their own right and it is an insult to them that they should be classed as less than professional.

Finally, if Mr Jones believes there is definitely a conflict of interest, then it is up to Mr Jones to make a formal complaint to (i) his local councillor, then (ii), the MP, then (iii) Ombudsman.

Yours etc,

O Jean Thomas, Cae Garw, Llanfair.

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