The planning application system can be something of a mystery. You get a letter with a reference number advising you that an application has been made to the local council and offering you the chance to express an opinion about it within 21 days. In this case the application (P/2012/2370) relates to this unit at the local retail park. I doubt if anyone will object to it because rumour has it that this former healthcare centre will become a branch of T. K. Maxx, the clothing retailer, meaning a few more jobs for the area. The odd thing is that this site is some distance from my home and is unlikely to have an impact on me, yet I might not be notified about applications made by neighbours a few doors away from me. Ealing Council’s planning department is under enormous pressure, every man and his dog wants to alter or build something, and the cost of dealing with these applications must be mounting. The enforcement of orders where planning regulations have been contravened is an additional burden.
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