I HAVE been following the lengthy and lively debate about Pedlarspool and the Link Road in your columns very carefully.
In both cases, the residents' campaigns are well-supported and very effective. I don't think there is a councillor at any level for many miles around who is unaware of the concerns on both fronts, so congratulations to all concerned.
Although it always helps one's argument to claim that an issue is simple, both these issues are extremely complex.
By the time your readers see this, Mid Devon District Council will have taken the next big step towards deciding policy on these issues, subject to the final decision by an Inspector at the Public Inquiry that is almost certain to be held.
The Planning Committee on which I serve met on August 19 to approve the options for development in the Local Development Framework (LDF).
I want to address only one area referred to in recent comments. There are complaints that councillors are "sitting on the fence" or not assisting the campaigns.
Those of us on the Planning Committee have repeatedly said that planning law means that if we indicate our preference before the meeting, we are precluded from joining the debate and voting.
So far as most councillors are concerned, we have also stated that we believe that our ability to argue for the option we prefer, will be enhanced if we allow the professionals to complete their research first.
I would like people to understand that this is what is currently driving us.
So that there is no misunderstanding, I should add that the decision about the link road route, although covered in part in the LDF, will not be made (by the County Council) until after the exhibition and consultation, involving a questionnaire to every home, which I believe is to happen in September.
David Nation
Town and District Councillor
3 George Hill
Crediton
EX17 2DT