If you have read 'The Hitch-hikers Guide to the Galaxy' you will remember how it starts. Arthur Dent discovers his house is about to be demolished to make way for a bypass. He argues with Mr Prosser, the man in charge of the demolition, who says:

'But the plans were on display...'

'On display? I eventually had to go to the cellar to find them.'

'That's the display department.'

'With a torch.'

'Ah, well the lights had probably gone.'

'So had the stairs.'

'But look, you found the notice didn't you?'

'Yes,' said Arthur, 'yes I did.It was on display in the bottom of a locked fining cabinet stuck in a disused lavatory with a sign on the door saying Beware of the Leopard.'

Is that what planning is like? Not really but planning authorities still make life difficult for the ordinary resident. Planning policy actually consists of piles of documents. I can't say how high these documents would stretch if piled on top of each other, because you often get to use the computer versions. Whereas Arthur can argue with Mr Prosser, you can't quarrel with a computer. Here are some genuine titles: District Plan Sustainability Appraisal (Incorporating Strategic Environmental Assessment), Habitats Regulations Assessment for the Main Modifications District Plan, Draft Site Allocations Development Plan Document.

Are you clear about that? Good. Now you can go and argue about a planning proposal.