News

Dear Editor,

Re: Callahan and Tearle "instrumental" in getting go ahead for care home plans

What a silly story this is and why does the author feel the need to remain anonymous?

The Care Home application was passed by a big majority by the Development Control Committee and I doubt very much if they were greatly swayed by oratory from former district councillors Callahan and Tearle.

The real point of 'name and address supplied' seems to be to attack the present district councillors as well as the county councillor (me).

A county councillor has no right to be heard for a planning application at Shepway District Council. Quite exceptionally I arranged to be substituted for the local members when the doctors' surgery plans were heard as I had helped my district council colleagues in smoothing the path of that very important application.

Kent County Council does much joint work with the National Health Service and the doctors had asked for my help which I was happy to give.

I don't recall either David Callahan nor Colin Tearle speaking for that application. I don't attack them for that and 'name and address supplied' might consider that the 3 minute slot before the Development Control committee is not the only nor always the most effective way of helping a planning application.

Is Localrags once again going to allow anonymous personal attacks? I do hope not. I think Hawkinge deserves better than that.

Susan Carey

Editor's reply: I read the letter as a question and not an attack. Your reply and that of Cllr Godfrey have both made your positions clear and I thank you both for that. However I do take offence that you consider I am allowing personal attacks. Our readers must be free to ask questions of their elected representatives. Not everyone has knowledge of the inner workings of local government and I think you should consider this before jumping to the conclusion that the Gazette is allowing a personal attack on local councillors.