The importance of strategic planning

Dear Sir,

It seems clear to me that Cheshire East Council is too responsive in its approach.

You only have to look at the saga over The Silk Mill and its demolition to realise this.

It is said that with financial restraints, there is only money to respond to events and serious ones at that.

However, any body worth its salt knows that strategic planning is an essential component of its existence, especially at times of limited budgets.

The two functions should probably be separated and funds ring fenced for pro-active action that in the long term saves money if used wisely.

Another example is the planning department where if more resources had been put into the Local Plan and 5-year Housing Supply we would not be in the position we are with at least three major planning applications in this week's Chronicle.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Peter Hirst

Middlewich