AN article headlined “Council actions clearly resulted in unnecessary expense” appeared in The Press last week.

At a public inquiry in September, costs were awarded against Ryedale District Council after the planning inspector found the council at fault on four counts.

Half-way through the inquiry, the Fitzwilliam Estate, which launched the inquiry, offered to settle the costs at that point.

The RDC refused the offer – thereby incurring further costs. Those responsible should explain their reasons for this decision.

Coun Knaggs last week admitted the substantial costs will have to be met from reserves – ie rate-payers’ money.

The responsibility for these costs rest with Coun Knaggs and the nine other Conservative members on the planning committee who voted by 2-1 against the livestock planning application in favour of their own application to develop the Wentworth Street car park.

To add to this they now wish to sell off the Bowling Club premises in Norton.

In view of other collective maladroit decisions these councillors should forfeit the right to sit on any further planning applications and tender their resignation from the planning committee.

Ann Cleverly, Settrington.