I WAS extremely dismayed that the Taunton Deane Borough Council (TDBC) planning committee passed the ... application made by David Wilson developers for 173 homes in Bishops Lydeard.

Doubtless, I am not alone in my disappointment with this decision, which was made despite repeated entreaties by Bishops Lydeard Parish Council (BLPC) that the developer's plans should more closely match our Neighbourhood Plan.

The community was given to understand that the Neighbourhood Plan had legal standing.

In the event the preparation, development and administration of the Neighbourhood Plan and referendum took in the region of four years.

READ MORE: Work to start on 173 homes in Bishops Lydeard in the spring

Why did they, and the community, bother with a planning committee so determinedly in favour of the developers?

The need for housing is not disputed, and its importance is regarded seriously by BLPC and the community.

In contrast, TDBC planning committee has disregarded its responsibility and respect for the community they serve, and Bishops Lydeard's legal, properly-presented Neighbourhood Plan.

This betrayal by TDBC planning committee breeds mistrust and cynicism in the democratic process.

There are comments such as 'Well, what did you expect?'. We expected better.

The rotton boroughs of the nineteenth century seem to be mushrooming at the same rate as the cookie-cutter houses across the country.

There is a distinct lack of morality at TDBC, specifically, in this instance, within the planning committee.

Shame on you.

DR J SHERLOCK
Bishops Lydeard