THE decision on the Front Garden raises serious questions. National Government is encouraging public participation on as many aspects of planning as possible the 'bottom-up' not 'top-down' approach.
Yet this decision, in pre-empting the examination in public on the Structure Plan 2016 and the Swindon Borough Local Plan 2011 inquiry, effectively gags any public debate before independent inspectors. Is this right?
A significant road, the Croft Road/Hay Lane Link, will not be debated at a public inquiry despite a large number of objections during the statutory consultation period on the plan.
Is the fact that the decision was issued by the South West Regional Office, not the office of the Secretary of State, an indication of increasing local governance at regional level?
Yet, Regional Assembly is comprised of unelected members. Does this bode well for the democracy?
Anne Henshaw
Chairman North Wilts and Swindon Group
Campaign to Protect Rural England
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article