Dear Editor, - Councillor Mirehouse is reported as describing the judicial review, instigated by the Council for National Parks, as an 'attack on the democratic process' by 'an unrepresentative and self-appointed group'.

While the CNP is self-appointed, it is an umbrella of over 40 environmental and amenity groups, indirectly representing over three million people with an interest in National Park matters. CNP aims to give those groups a shared vision and voice on National Park issues.

How many members of the Park committee are elected by, and are representative of, the inhabitants of the National Park?

It also amazes me that Cllr Mirehouse, as a member of a planning committee, appears to have little understanding of a process over which he and his peers preside.

Unlike the applicant, third parties have no right of appeal when planning permission is granted. They may lodge a complaint with the local government ombudsman, but even if this is upheld it cannot overturn the planning decision.

The only recourse is to seek a judicial review through the courts, but even this can only examine procedural issues.

In seeking a judicial review, the CNP is merely exercising its rights, under the current planning process.

As far as I am aware the right to due process in the law is a fundamental principle which underpins democracy in this country.

C. GRIFFITHS Avondale, Cresselly.