I have just read with utter disbelief Maldon District Council has decided to cancel the democratic rights of parish and town councils in planning applications.

The parish and town councils have always been considered the basic and third tier of local government - an essential representation of the village and townspeople.

So parish councillors, the supposed grassroots of local government, the true (unpaid) representatives of the people, are now considered of no consequence; and the planning officers who certainly do not have the local knowledge are now the sole judge and jury of any planning application.

They have even been given delegated responsibility to decide on any planning matter without the necessity to consult elected members.

The more I read of this totally undemocratic decision, the more I am reminded of the warning given to us all by George Orwell, of the final reduction of the rights of the common man to those in power.

This is the death of democracy in local government, beginning with the Parish Council.

I am bitterly disappointed our elected members should calmly accept power being taken from them and given to the planning officers, who appear to change jobs with the speed of a Premier League football manager.

During my 39 years with Maldon District Coucnil, councillors always defended their responsibility and right to debate on issues (small or large) affecting their wards.

I remember them religiously refusing to give any more power to officers.

The cry often heard was “we are members who have been elected by the public to represent them without fear or favour.”

So what is the future now of parish councils in this district?

Perhaps we should ask the planning officer these days? If he or she is still there, of course.

Robert J S Long

Parish Councillor and former Maldon District Council chairman