IN the Review (May 13) Mr John Timbrell, who resides in my ward, has quoted me suggesting I am in support of his view that unless all planning applications go before full council, they are illegal.

As Chairman of the Constitutional Working Group, I have taken legal advice concerning the relevant sections in the Town and Country Planning Act and Local Government Act that deal with planning matters.

The council’s constitution sets out how the council will discharge its many functions including determining planning applications.

It is quite clear that the responsibility for determining planning applications is delegated to the planning committee and to officers.

This is consistent with both the legislation governing such matters and with practice in other local authorities across England and Wales.

While John and I have a mutual respect for each other, as is evident through his letters, I shudder at the thought of being quoted on matters that are simply not true.

I remain the victim of fabricated quotes regarding other matters.

Although I am indebted to the exacting professionalism of Gloucestershire Police, I still remain in an exempt situation until the district council have the courage to publicly apologise and withdraw their offensive and fabricated charges against me.

Therefore, I sincerely hope that John has the integrity to set them an example and withdraw his unfortunate lapse of memory.

As a councillor, I have worked closely with planning officers includ-

ing during pre-planning stages, in order for them to discuss applicants’ issues.

This approach has always worked well.

It is also well known that there are more contentious planning issues outside my ward.

It is an honour to be trusted by various organisations to work with them openly to protect the forest environment from further privatisation and government exploitation.

– Cllr Andrew Gardiner (Ind), Forest of Dean District Council, Lydbrook and Ruardean.