RYEDALE House has some good employees with a commitment to serving the local population who pay their wages, and some who do not.

The report of a “lost” document (Gazette & Herald, December 24) is further evidence of a dysfunctional planning department.

Kirkbymoorside residents opposing the Gladman development have met with apathy, incompetence and obstruction. No reasons have been forthcoming for the apparent undermining by the department of the town’s attempt to present a good case against the application.

Space does not permit me to specify and prove, but as a retired probation officer who has had to defend her statements in the High Court I always make sure I can. If issues are not soon addressed locally perhaps we need the ombudsman’s involvement.

The failure to be able to promptly produce an updated land supply figure needs immediate attention. The department knew that this was vital for the inquiry on October 28. An update had been due at the end of September.

In early October I was assured that the figure would be produced but that the 312 houses approved by the planning committee in August could not be included until the Housing Minister endorsed the decision. This endorsement came on October 15, but no updated supply figure was available on October 28.

Why? Last year, a decision notice went out to Gladman in a couple of days. The planning department can act quickly when they choose.

These 312 houses, plus the 225 from Kirkbymoorside represents a 2.7 year supply. Added to the existing supply (4.39 at end of June) this means that Gladman and others cannot force through plans against the Local Plan using the lack of a five-year supply argument for some time.

Why has such a weak case been put against Gladman? Perhaps Councillor Windress’ letter answers that.

Gladman has shown a willingness all over the country to litigate to force through plans against local wishes. The attempt to have the Local Plan altered to double the housing requirement was an unwarranted pressure on our planning department.

David Cameron promised local communities power over planning decisions. He will want our votes next May.

How does he propose to earn them?

Ann Gray, Kirkbymoorside