IT heartens me to be able to say that the Evening News is usually a newspaper that can be relied upon to give a fair and accurate coverage, particularly on local government issues.

However, in a recent comment piece on Nellie Copson's planning application to turn her town centre shop in Droitwich Spa into a home, I was saddened that the paper did not seem to wholly grasp the situation and understand the role of planning.

It is vital that officers and members of the district council keep a clear head and look at issues on their planning merits only and do not fall into the trap of letting political or emotional feelings sway their decision.

How easy it would have been to seek a short-term solution to the Copson saga by approving the application and how short-sighted it would have been.

If Miss Copson's application had been allowed it would not only have been contrary to the Local District Plan, it would also have set a dangerous precedent.

It would have sent a message that anyone who felt they were unable to carry on their business need only scream "hardship".

The council would have been flooded with applications for change of use. It would have farmers seeking planning permission to rid farm buildings of their agricultural use, and owners of empty town centre shops asking, as Miss Copson was doing, to turn their empty shop into a home.

How could the council possibly say "no" to others if the Planning Committee had already approved Miss Copson's application?

Imagine what a devastating impact this would have on the vitality of our town centres - town centres already fighting to remain viable in an age where shoppers are all too often attracted out of our towns.

Wychavon's Head of Planning, Jack Fegarty, dealt with Miss Copson's application straight down the wicket.

He looked at the issue strictly on its planning merits and advised the Committee to do the same.

Indeed, he has a professional responsibility so to do. Thankfully, common sense prevailed and the application was refused.

This is not the council being awkward. There is no vendetta against Miss Copson.

The council simply has to treat everyone the same - regardless of age.

Miss Copson has an empty shop for which the Valuations Office says she must pay business rates.

The council collects business rates on behalf of the Valuations Office and its staff have simply asked Miss Copson to prove her financial situation.

MALCOLM MEIKLE,

Leader of Wychavon District Council.