RE the story of July 8 "Row on the scope of planning enquiry", Councillor Critchley was quite right in instigating a long-overdue full and independent inquiry into the way planning matters are handled in the borough.
It appears that the ruling Labour Party via its spokesman, Cllr Nick Peel, wishes to dilute the full inquiry to a partial one by excluding the council's own paid officers.
No, sir, this is not good enough as these employees have the power to sway opinions by their reports, the content of which can conflict with those of other areas f Bolton eg car parks not compatible with greenbelt n some districts, but are acceptable in others.
What is needed is a 'Chilcot' type of inquiry embracing everyone involved in all aspects of planning matters which includes consultation with the legal department to ensure no legal restraints before developer consultations and proceeding with the application itself.
Decision makers, I urge you to go ahead with a full and comprehensive inquiry for if there is nothing to hide, then there is no problem.
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