SIR – It is overdue that council committee should examine the planning process (T&A, December 13).

Planning decisions are aimed towards the overall benefit of the community.

But it is accepted that the council planning committees cannot always be right.

A rejected proposer is therefore given the right to benefit from an overruling second opinion.

However the objectors do not have the same privilege.

And, except for unacceptably costly litigation, they have no facility to appeal against an approval resulting in a miscarriage being perpetuated.

It is also undemocratic that the influence of planning officials is extended to their recommendation as to whether an application should be refused or rejected.

Their remit should be restricted to unbiased recording of the facts so that decisions are made according to the wisdom of the the delegated councillors.

A further anomaly is that on appeal, the Government is more likely to accept the planners approval recommendation than the council’s considered rejection This will mean that the applicant will be able to claim substantial appeal and ancillary expenses from the council.

This is the reason why in the past, planning committee councillors have been loathe to countermand the recommendations of those who should be subservient to them.

John Pashley, Westcliffe Avenue, Baildon