Dear Editor,

Having served on a local Parish Council some years ago, I am beginning to wonder whether long service on a council or committee is, in fact, conducive to good decision making.

Whilst there might be some very good points for taking advantage of the wealth of experience available, it is also possible that close relationships form over time and which could colour some judgements. We see this all the time in scandals in Westminster and there is no reason to suppose things would vary greatly at a more local level. It is very difficult to avoid.

The two very eloquent letters you published recently (Peter Hall/Dr Setchfield) about the Fernbank Road development should give rise to some serious questioning as to why the AONB have apparently changed their mind from their longstanding stance of: “the site occupies a critical point in the foreground of this very attractive view which is part of the overall setting of Ross. Its development would entirely change the character of this AONB.”

Do we know why the AONB did not object to the development of five ‘executive’ homes on this ancient plot? I think it would be helpful if we were told.

Andrew Meek, Ross

Editor’s note: The Gazette has asked the AONB for the reasons for their change, we were waiting for a reply as we went to press.