December 14, 2000 12:37: Mr AN Byford 'Pointing at Cllr Shah' (Times, November 23) is perfectly entitled to express his personal views as strongly as he likes but the tone of his letter was unfortunate. No matter how strongly he feels about the issues perhaps he might want to reconsider how he puts his views across in the future. I would also like to make a reasonable request to him to check his facts before he publicises his views. He has picked on some significant issues which need a response and I take this opportunity to put the record straight.

Had Mr Byford bothered to check the facts, the planning permission for the Cannon Lane School and Housing scheme was granted during the Lib Dem administration of the council and not under my chairmanship.

In my capacity as a nominated member I had vigorously opposed the scheme. Many residents and residents' associations will vouch for this.

In respect of the Asha Centre and RAF Stanmore site developments, Mr Byford's allegations about the lack of due consideration to local residents' concerns about site access, traffic and pollution are unsubstantiated and totally unfounded. The council has spent unprecedented committee hours, together with vigorous scrutiny by the officers and elected members, to assess the applications professionally and objectively with extensive consultations with local residents.

Mr Byford is also confused about my role when he calls me 'chief planning officer'. I am an elected member of the council and not a paid officer. In my capacity as the chairman of the Planning Committee, I am prepared to accept full responsibility for the decisions the council takes, but I will not accept unfair criticism no matter where it originates.

One thing I would want to make clear to readers is that my conscience is clear. I do not regret the decisions I have taken so far. I have and will always act with the utmost integrity for the benefit of the people of Harrow.

Cllr Navin Shah

Planning portfolio holder