WELL I seemed to have ruffled Janet Mather’s feathers somewhat.

All large planning applications go before the planning committee.

They are never dealt with under an officer’s delegated powers.

Therefore councillors do have power deemed to them by the democratic system that we have in place in the UK.

It would have been simple for the planning committee to refuse the planning applications submitted by the consortium of various house builders until they came back with proposals for a bridge, shops schools or funding.

All councillors on the planning committees need to up their game, as with direct public access to the planning system, they are becoming a lot more accountable and under public scrutiny as never before. Lack of action will lose councillors public faith and votes.

I would say to the council tax payer to follow any large planning application and make sure that you make your representations heard.

Do not raise a petition as this is only counted once, every complainant should write in even if it’s the same words.

Lodge a complaint on the Cheshire West planning website and make sure that your comments are clear and concise.

If you want to protest against a large planning application then don’t sit there and complain when it’s too late. Make your voice heard.

Richard Cawley Wade Street Northwich