LETTER: Robustly engage with inspector

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Depending on the outcome of the full Horsham DistrictCouncil Meeting of 24 June, the Planning Inspector will re-commence his hearing on the HDC’s Planning Framework on 6 July.

Since the Inspector does not reside in this area, he depends very much on data communicated to him, on site visits and on feedback on his assumptions from the HDC and residents.

What we have not seen so far is an HDC response to the Inspector over his initial findings, asking for clarification or questioning the basis of his conclusions.

Is the HDC strategy simply to roll over and do as the council is told by the Inspector without question? It is certainly NOT what elected councillors are supposed to do.

Where is the lead from Cllr Dawe on this? Councillors are surely supposed to question the findings of this unelected official and to represent the interests of their constituents. Indeed, some councils have engaged robustly with an Inspector over their Local Plans and have directly influenced his/her conclusions - to the benefit of their constituents.

So can we see a record of the HDC dialogue with the Inspector over his initial findings, showing how the HDC has tried to influence his findings, and the results of this?

BRIAN JOHNSON

Langhurstwood Road, Horsham

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