Yet another correspondent writes (thank you all: write to: eastdevonwatch@gmail.com if you have things to say – publication not guaranteed but always considered):
“EDDC councillors are consulted on planning applications in their patch and their comments carry weight. However, their comments should be confined to material planning considerations as with the rest of us.
Go to planning application 15/1881 and you will find that Councillor Tom Wright enjoys a cup of tea in bed with his wife in the morning enjoying a view of the sea. He then goes on to support a planning application involving demolition of an Arts and Crafts style house in a Conservation Area and an AONB in the heart of Budleigh Salterton.
There is no mention that this is contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework and planning permission should be refused in such designated areas except in exceptional circumstances where it can be demonstrated that they are in the public interest. He also does not support the local Budleigh Salterton Town Council which objects to this application and of which he is a member.
He will find if he reads other consultees’ comments that the Environment Agency objects on grounds of flooding, that Historic England considers that the potential loss of the structure and the proposed replacement would result in a harmful impact to the character and appearance of the conservation area and would be unable to support the application and the County Archaeologist advises that the EDDC Conservation Officer should be consulted on the demolition of a substantial dwelling built in the Arts and Crafts style within the town’s Conservation Area and the impact this may have upon it.
Who is Councillor Wright actually representing here?”
East Devon Watch 
Certainly in the description above there is no sign that Cllr Wright consulted with or even guessed at the views of the residents of his ward.
At best, his comments appear to be those of someone lazy who doesn’t bother to acquaint themselves of the details of planning the application, its context, relevant planning guidelines or the opinions of his ward residents.
At worse, his comments suggest…
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Tom Wright will do what is good for Tom Wright as will Steve Hall with little concern for the local businesses that will be condemned to death by the Officers and cowardly Portfolio Holders at EDDC.
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It’s good that Cabinet Member Cllr Tom Wright has clarified just who he has been getting into bed with – it avoids anyone getting the wrong impression.
Consultee comments from the Conservation Officer on this case say that advice given at the pre-application stage (ref: 14/0143/PREAPP) concluded that the principle of demolition would be unacceptable on account of the contribution that the existing house makes to the character and appearance of the conservation area.
But, demolition and rebuild, is what has been applied for.
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What a pity Les Cotton didn’t get elected for BS. He intended to be very active for BS even though he didn’t live actually in the town.
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