A chara, - The situation described by John O'Connor of An Bord Pleanála with regard to councillors rezoning habits is being replicated throughout the country (The Irish Times, November 10th) .
Is it any wonder the European Environmental Agency made this comment last year on development in Ireland: "We couldn't believe what we saw on the maps, because they showed that sprawl was so extensive in a country where the geography is not designed for such a thing."
Local area plans set out "to create a compact and accessible town in accordance with the principles of sustainable development." However this objective is rarely met because councillors yield to the lobbying of their clients, local landowners.
The impact of sprawl on our society is summed up by the Institute of Public Health in Ireland when it points to rising levels of obesity, air pollution, road traffic injuries, stress and isolation resulting from the manner in which we develop housing. It also makes it impossible to develop a modern public transport system.
Perhaps the most grotesque aspect of this is it now appears that if rezoned land is refused planning permission on sound planning principles the council could be liable to compensation claims by the applicants.
The council's money is our money and councillors' reckless behaviour in appeasing the interests of landowners should end immediately. Where professional planning advice is ignored it is they, the irresponsible councillors who should foot the bill. - Is mise,
SEÁN BROSNAN, Dingle Sustainable Development Group, Dingle, Co Kerry.