STEVE NICHOLLS will not be the last homeowner to find out that a development he objects to has been approved by a council without him knowing anything about it.

Cherwell and Oxford councils are two authorities who have decided to stop sending letters to neighbours alerting them to planning applications in their area which gives them the chance to give their views.

It is to save money. But the real cost is another blow to local democracy.

Both councils claim that interested parties will be able to find out by going on their websites, spotting a planning notice attached to a site or checking their local papers.

But what this ignores is the fact that it means people have to be constantly checking for these applications just on the off-chance someone is putting up an office block next door. No-one, apart from the most ardent busybody, will do this.

It may not be a statutory duty, but councils have an obligation to ensure the people they serve reasonably know about issues in their area.

Cherwell says the move will save it £80,000, Oxford £45,000.

As we’ve revealed before, Oxford shells out a very similar amount on a climate change officer.

If money is an issue, what should a greater priority reasonably be for an authority overseeing a small city: making sure as many residents know about issues affecting them or making a negligible difference to a worldwide problem?

The truth is that fewer people will know what is happening in their communities and both councils cannot wriggle out of that.

Thankfully at the moment there are a load of politicians in Cherwell out asking for your vote.

Challenge them on this point and make up your mind if they are committed to local democracy or not.