Madam,

I note with interest the ongoing controversy surrounding Rob Davies’ concept of ‘Tree’ on Borth beach.

There have been many issues raised by both sides regarding the numbers of people who support, or are against ‘Tree’.

However, I feel that people are missing a significant point with regard to planning legislation in this case.

A democratically elected local council (Borth Community Council) voted democratically and made representations against granting planning permission for this project.

Later, a democratically elected group of Ceredigion county councillors made a democratic decision not to approve planning permission.

Finally, an individual (Mr Jenkins) at the Planning Inspectorate in Cardiff made a ruling that permission should be granted noting that ‘Local opposition or support for a proposal is not, on its own, a reasonable ground for withholding or granting planning permission’.

Based on this, one would question why we have a democratic decision process with regards to planning.

Why not let an individual in a centralised department in Cardiff make all planning decisions?

I am sure that in times of austerity, this process would save councils considerable money. However, I am not sure we, the general public, would be happy at the apparent disregard of democracy.

Yours etc,

Hugh R M Hughes, Borth.

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