Letter from an Architect

This message was received today by email, the sender having attempted to post as a comment but being unable for some reason. It was a response to our Planning Committee post of 22nd Feb (see below) and is reproduced here with permission:

Unfortunately, planning committee members make decisions every week based on political considerations and specifically on the protection and fast track of their careers, and often against the recommendations of the very planning officers their councils have employed to uphold the local Unitary Development Plans. Now the Government is introducing a "fast track" process for major schemes and infrastructure work, it seems almost pointless to try and protect ones own local environment. Some may applaud this as the end of "Nimbyism," others may see it as yet more erosion of our own rights.

In your case, this web site is indeed a revelation. As an architect I watched this episode thinking "Who are these Nimbys ruining this family's dreams?" Now I have seen your photos, I find the siting of the new "mill" abhorrent and fully understand your actions. CH 4's presentation left much to be desired here, and I now watch GD with far greater cynicism. I'm sorry that a fellow member of my profession did not realise the problems of the design and act accordingly.