PL/25/1227/FA - 2 Westfield Road, Beaconsfield, HP9 1EG (part 12 of 12)

Did you want to go with the motion or do you want to speak now? Yes, speak now. Thank you, Chairman. I think it's always very difficult when you're looking at this as a member of this committee with local knowledge. And I note that three of the previous unitary councillors put this in, including myself, on a neutral basis, can I add. And the previous committee effectively refused permission. It went to planning, the inspector, which I acknowledge and I've read the report. I completely understand when the legal officers are coming in, the planning officers are coming in. Three weeks ago, I happened to be in high court and I bumped into one of our colleagues, well, your colleague, the legal officer's colleagues, who were in court 17 when I was in court 18. And I got to watch a full judicial review of a planning inspector decision in full. And I can see the cost involved in it. And that's cost to the taxpayers. But it's also difficult, on the other hand, because we are elected as members, as councillors, and being appointed to this committee to look after our local areas, heritage, look at the long -term planning impact that might happen on our area with or without the local plan, with the NPPF, etc. And it puts me in a very difficult position, because I do have local knowledge. And, you know, these are streets that I've walked my dogs on on a driven pass. But I'm very conflicted, because I completely understand professional and legal implications. And I think on this occasion, just reading from the room, I can see where members are going on this. I will not be exercising my right to vote on this. I'll be abstaining. Thank you. You have every right to abstain, as does any other member. But thank you, Councillor Unantum. I'm very fascinated.