A way around the cuts have made plans public

In particular, she refers to mistakes made by the planning department, which have meant that on several occasions Old Marston Parish Council has not been told, as soon as they might, about applications in the parish.

A couple of years ago, as part of the cuts which the council was forced to make, consultation on planning applications was reduced.

As a Marston ward councillor, I have tried to address this by writing to all near residents affected by planning applications. I also spend a great deal of time discussing applications with individual residents as well as the parish council and New Marston (South) Residents’ Association.

I often call planning applications in to the East Area planning committee on the basis of local concerns.

This gives people the chance to air their views publicly and have the decision made in pubic by councillors.

Although the East Area planning committee usually clashes with parish council meetings, I keep in contact with the chairman and make sure that any planning issues are followed up.

When the parish council was not consulted about the Bradlands redevelopment, I put pressure on the planners to extend the consultation period and to make a presentation to the parish council.

It is very regrettable when mistakes like these are made, but regular contact between the parish council and city councillors means that we can usually sort out problems when they arise.

MARY CLARKSON (Cllr) Marston Ward Oxford City Council