Park's role under scrutiny (From Western Telegraph)

Park's role under scrutiny

Dear Editor. - Your editorial 'County Needs A Future' asks what I see as a basic and right question of those who manage planning policy: "If not Bluestone, what for the future of the local rural economy?"

The purpose of this letter is to urge open discussion of this issue in the weeks and months ahead while this important proposal goes through the planning system. Let us see whether the policymakers who hold its future in their hands and who may be thinking to reject it can give any sort of answer.

A determination to reserve the countryside for evermore in its current state, to conform to some perceived (but in my view mistaken) interpretation of a planning authority's duty is not an option.

There is poverty and deprivation, real enough for those who experience it just below the surface. The local community has given a well-considered verdict in support. The National Assembly is currently conducting an in-depth review of the operation of the Welsh National Parks.

Their inquiry asks the critical question as to whether the Parks are fulfilling their duty to care for the socio-economic welfare of their communities. The way the planning authorities here deal with this issue and the way they argue the pros and cons will provide part of the answer.

DAVID LORT-PHILLIPS Knowles Farm, Lawrenny.