Conflict of interest over new homes

Dear Sir,

It seems that a fully constituted Neighbourhood Plan can be a valid defence against planning appeals for residential developments even in the case of a lack of a five-year supply of housing.

I was therefore interested to learn that there is a back log of councils receiving the necessary financial help from Cheshire East for the compiling of such a plan.

I also read in the same Council's Pre-Budget Consultation document that the increased council tax receipts from new housing helps to keep the levels low for existing home owners.

Surely, there is an interest then in Cheshire East allowing development even when it contradicts their draft local plans.

It seems that there is a need for some mechanism to defend our public spaces and other amenities outside council control.

Only then can a sensible compromise be achieved between financial and other considerations.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Peter Hirst

Middlewich