Cllr. Joe Whibley writes in the Exmouth Journal:

In response to Mr Reed, prospective parliamentary candidate for Exmouth and Exeter East, and his missive regarding working with South West Water I have a couple of points of note.

I welcome his intention to try and work with South West Water, but suggest that he is clearer in his knowledge of the workings of local government. To suggest that East Devon’s planning department is somehow culpable is to completely misunderstand or misrepresent planning law EDDC cannot legally turn down a planning application on the grounds of sewage infrastructure. If South West Water say they can accommodate any new development, East Devon are forced by law to accept that even if we know there is some doubt.

As an example, if Mr Reed were to look at the planning officers recommendations for the redevelopment of the Devoncourt Hotel, he will see an example of this. I am saddened that they have suggested the committee may wish to grant permission for this, but any representations about this will need to be on things other than South West Water’s position_

Might I suggest that if Mr Reed wishes to be a successful local candidate and ultimately MP, he moves away from the behaviour of his predecessor Mr Jupp. His constant criticism of the district council, despite the best efforts of people to work collaboratively has proved incredibly obstructive and in the interests of nobody.

Cllr Joe Whibley

East Devon District Council