I’d like to suggest a simple change to state planning rules (and I’ve written to the minister).
If a developer decides to challenge the height, size or other planning restrictions set by a local council, they should be required to pay all legal costs – whether they win or lose. Why should taxpayers be left footing the bill when developers try to bend or rewrite rules that communities have often worked hard to put in place?
And Ed, one more thing – do you really need to mention councillors’ political party affiliations every time you refer to them? It’s good to know at election time but it feels like free advertising, and I’m not sure it adds much to discussions.
• We refer to a councillor’s political affiliation to inform the novice reader. – letters ed
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
