maerhills@hotmail.co.uk

Are you in the silent majority?

Politicians are there to represent the views of the people who elected them. So if it appears that a community totally opposes a planning development, local councillors may well see it as their job to represent that view and work to have the application turned down.

The problem is when a vocal minority creates the impression of mass objection when in reality most people are supportive. How can this happen? Well objectors object – they make themselves heard – loudly and constantly. Supporters on the other hand tend to be silent.

As a consequence vocal minority groups often have a disproportionate influence on planning decisions. And this can cause delay and be very costly not just for the developer but also the local planning authority.

Ironically the increased local authority costs are paid for by the people who elect the politicians – local community members. For the democratic process to work properly it is vitally important that politicians at all levels understand the views of the wider community and not just those of a vocal minority.

Maer Hills Action Group

set up by local people in response to the proposal to build an Evolution Leisure Village

Sponsored by Appraisal360 360 degree feedback systems