WELL, what an interesting couple of weeks we have had on the planning front.

First we have the full planning committee reinforcing the approval of the northern area development management committee for the eco-friendly detached bungalow in Coles Green, against the advice of planning officers.

Apparently it is against the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to build single dwellings in rural locations.

Then we have the proposed development in Malvern Wells refused, again against the specific advice of the council's planning officers.

We even had a Conservative councillor saying it would be criminal to build there, despite the fact that this site was included in the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) – ironic, seeing as how it is leading Conservatives who have forced through and continue to wholeheartedly support that appalling plan.

So, before it is even in place, these councillors are finding that their precious plan is unsuitable.

Pity they didn't realise it two years ago, when the opportunity was there to adopt a better plan.

These two cases illustrate perfectly how, when it comes to local needs and interests, the NPPF and SWDP are not fit for purpose.

Caroline Carver

Barnards Green