RICHARD Grant (Letters, July 9) complains about the composition of the New Forest national park planning authority. He pronounces that its members aren’t local enough.
I spent a period on that committee. It is open to the public and local members of the public are allowed to speak if they give notice.
Parish councils also often make representations.
They are given a fair hearing because the committee respects the local view.
Committee members have the agenda in good time for them to visit sites to see for themselves the issues involved.
Members of this committee are a mixture of nominees from the county, district and parish councils.
Nominees expert in environmental matters are also included.
I have spent 30 years as a member in local Government and I can testify that the quality of the membership of the national park planning committee is first class.
I never once saw Mr Grant at a meeting as a member of the public so I am at a loss to understand his pronouncement from afar.
BRIAN DASH, address supplied.
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