Peter Crosland wrote:

Are you saying there should be no control of developement? Why should those
who want PP not have to pay at least some of the costs?

advocate=devils
Because the planning regime is there not for the benefit of the person
wanting to build something but for the benefit of the rest of society in
as much as it controls what everyone else has to live with. Therefore
the rest of society should pay for it.

The same argument could be used about education - also provided by the
council. The result of education is a benefit to society, not just to
the individual who receives it. Why should those want their children
educated not have to pay at least some of the costs? Why should I, who
have no children have to pay for schools?
/advocate

Well it is Friday.

Andrew