Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

How far into bed are they with developers?

The government has put come up with a number of ideas to 'streamline' the planning system and make life more comfortable for developers.

One extreme idea is that anyone wishing to convert a barn in the countryside to residential use should be able to do so under what is called 'permitted development rights' - that is, without having to obtain planning permission.

If you think that's a good idea then look at the number of old barns around Wiltshire/Hilperton and imagine each one converted into a detached 5-bed 'executive' house, with access, fencing, parking areas etc.

The government has carried out a consultation exercise on this and other proposals, and Wiltshire Council planners have given a forthright response - that it is a barmy idea and should be forgotten about.