We will be examining this subject over the next few days and possibly weeks. In the meantime, here is an extract from a report commissioned in 2009 by EDDC officers from the Planning Advisory Service when it appears to have become evident that the (then secret) Local Development Framework Panel (Chair, ex- councillor Brown) was already perceived as being in difficulty:
… there is a potential danger that a positive steer from the Panel that these [the very limited number of sites they are examining] are suitable sites is leading to the initiation of premature pre- application discussions for sites which would be ‘departures’ from the current development plan. Although the LDF views are given without prejudice they appear to be being made without the scenario testing of alternative options, the use of sustainability appraisal and the explicit assessment of how they fit in with the long term vision.
The development management team (although in attendance at the Panel) and other key stakeholders appear not be involved in early discussions prior to the presentations to the Panel. This is creating a tension as the development management team feel that sites are coming forward which are not consistent with the development plan or delivering the key corporate priorities but possibly are to deliver other objectives e.g. roads.
There is concern that this is seen as reacting to local agendas rather than positive planning towards a long term vision for the district and likely to lead to ad- hoc decisions being taken.
A mechanism needs to be established to ensure this is not the case and that there is a more open debate perhaps through the corporate management team.
East Devon Watch 
So it appears in 2009 EDDC hired consultants (Planning Advisory Service) whose advice they have ignored, once again favouring instead “local agendas.” According to the PAS the LDF panel failed to test sufficient alternative scenarios which may result in “premature pre- application discussions for sites which would be ‘departures’ from the current development plan.” Last month the HM inspector Anthony Thickett was critical of the inclusion of Sidford Fields in the Local Plan without sufficient sequential studies of alternative sites being undertaken.
Clearly there are concern across the district that EDDC are responding to local vested interest “rather than positive planning towards a long term vision for the district” leading to ad- hoc decisions being taken. Hopefully the above will be examined further when the Overview and Scrutiny investigation into the East Devon Business Forum reconvenes.
Graham
Sidmouth
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