South Wales Evening Post - 10 February 2006
Tim Thorogood's disregard of building regulations is a peccadillo when compared with the activities of some property developers and unscrupulous private owners. It is no secret that the best way of getting your demolition and building plans approved by Swansea Council is to do whatever you want and then put in an application for retrospective permission.
In fact, a recent case clearly shows that, if all Gower residents demolished their houses without permission, Swansea Council would reward them by approving their applications to build soulless but more marketable dwellings in their place.
Everyone would be richer and to hell with the area of outstanding natural beauty.
It is, then, hard to understand why Mr Thorogood finds it necessary to resign over something that is accepted by his council officers.
It is kind of Chris Holley to want to save taxpayers' money by avoiding a lengthy inquiry, but I can't help thinking that a lengthy inquiry is exactly what is needed.
Terence Hyde, Highbury, Llanrhidian, Swansea
