CONSERVATOR David Ward has called for a rethink on how the body studies planning applications.

Mr Ward, chairman of the land management committee, believes plans that meet certain criteria should be more fully discussed by board and committee members.

Plans are currently examined by director Ian Rowat and the relevant local member.

But Mr Ward said the impact of proposals such as the recent plans for Mill Farm, on Guarlford Road, need to be discussed more thoroughly.

Examples he gave that could require more detailed discussion include plans on any green field site, estate developments of more than three houses and industrial buildings or agricultural warehousing.

"We're going to get very upset indeed, I think, if somebody builds something like an aircraft hanger on one of our commons," he said.

"We have a local stewardship for a national asset. We have a responsibility that goes beyond what can be dealt with purely at the level of the director and the local member."

Conservators' chairman Richard Graves said the point of having three committees - land management, public relations and administration & resources - was to ensure matters were probably discussed.

Director Ian Rowat is to prepare policy guidelines for response to planning applications in time for the next meeting of the land management committee.

A resolution from Conservator Dave Masters that plans of more than three moderate-sized dwellings, large extensions or additional buildings to existing commercial properties be considered by the land management committee and ratified by the full board was passed.