W A Sanders, of Kingsteignton, writes: I read that the three Teignbridge councillors who were reported to the Standards Board have been cleared of all wrong-doing. I think that in speaking out against any large-scale building in the areas they represent they were guilty of predetermination and not declaring a prejudicial interest. But I can see little difference in this wording. According to my dictionary, predetermine comes from the word predestine, which means to determine beforehand. prejudical comes from prejudice, which means a preconceived opinion, bias or partiality. Surely in this case the final decision does not alter the case that these councillors, in publicly stating their opposition to mass buildings on their patches, showed that they had made up their minds well in advance of any decision-making time. To me, they are not unbiased or impartial. They don't want it and have openly said so. Which is more than Kingsteignton Parish Council has ever done. Ever since the urban village idea was declared the council has said time and time again that it was not allowed to give an opinion. Yet the Standards Board decision shows it could have spoken out at any time. The electorate of Kingsteignton has no idea who is for or against the urban village on our council. Hopefully, we will find out before the next elections.
