SIR - It is a pity that Councillor Paul Denham brings political partisanship into the city council's planning committee. Actually, he is incorrect in suggesting that only he and a Labour colleague voted in favour of the Nexis Housing Association application on December 13. Labour and Conservative councillors equally voted in favour, but a majority of the committee was not convinced. A council-commissioned report on employment land in Worcester is due in March. Nexis could not wait until the council considers it. In addition, the committee was not satisfied that enough social housing was proposed on the site as against private housing.
In any case, why does Coun Denham mention party labels at all? The planning committee consists of elected councillors, but it is entirely non-political. Committee members act as guardians of the city's planning processions and must act without fear, favour and political bias. Moreover, the officer's recommendation was to reject the application. Coun Denham is well known for protesting when council has overturned officer recommendations, arguably wrongly. I have often agreed with him.
It is a great shame Coun Denham has tried to make political capital out of this issue. He is usually as asset to the committee and is well-known for defending correct but unpopular planning decisions. His judgement seems to have deserted him on this occasion.
F D LANKESTER,
Cathedral Ward,
Worcester.
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