CAROLE Deas’ letter suggesting that Poole planners never listen to residents (Letters July 5) will have resonated with those who objected to the planning application for Talbot Village and attended the subsequent planning inquiry.

The application attracted numerous objections from residents as well as Natural England/RSPB and Bournemouth council. Representations were made at committee itself, but many of those present came away thinking it was a waste of time. Had Poole listened to the objections, they would have saved both themselves and others the time and expense of a public inquiry and the end result would have been the same.

There is another common factor. Mrs Deas also states that the planning department ignored a relevant document when reaching their decision. During the course of Talbot Village inquiry, serious questions were raised about how the council handled the application and the information given to committee. The council's economy overview and scrutiny committee decided to carry out a scrutiny of the application and many welcomed this. That has now taken place. In carrying out the scrutiny, committee, far from seeking independent advice, as might be expected, were guided by an the head of planning, who made no direct reference to the inspector’s report. Furthermore they declined to carry out a full in depth scrutiny where objectors, applicants and other officers could give evidence.

It would seem that when it comes to planning matters, not only do Poole not listen to the residents but there is a lack of both of transparency and accountability. NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED