A LETTER from Val Kendrick (Advertiser, May 28) commented on the conduct of recent planning committee meetings.

Members of this committee will always have a difficult task whenever a controversial planning application appears before us.

One side or other will always believe the decision is wrong. It is our duty to weigh up all factors in reaching our conclusion.

As the recently elected chairman of the new, slim-lined committee, I welcome her comments praising the debate which led to the decisions made. I hope that 12 months from now, all those affected by the decisions that we make will be able to say we at least dealt fairly with all applications (within the constraints imposed by law).

Unfortunately, not everybody will be happy with some outcomes.

I give my personal promise that, as chairman, I will do all I can to ensure decisions are not just fair but are seen to be fair.

Councillor NIGEL HICKS

Liberal Democrat

Chairman, Planning Committee

Redditch Council