Cllr Elizabeth Bennett, of South Pool, Kingsbridge, writes: The article 'Funding gap fear for South Devon AONB' and the letter from Richard Howell in the October 31 issue of the Gazette both highlight the importance of the primary role of the AONB, which was set up as an independent body 'to advise and comment on ­planning and other proposals'. Defra is now withdrawing from its role as the largest contributor towards the funding of the AONB and negotiations will have to be entered into by South Hams Council as to the size of the increased apportionment that we the council tax payers, will have to bear. I would suggest that before this process starts, the question needs to be asked as to whether the AONB is actually being allowed to carry out its primary role successfully. Do the South Hams Council development management committee and its planning officers listen to, and carry out the advice of, the AONB? The evidence from recent planning applications shows that ­planning advice from the AONB is frequently ignored, as illustrated in the cases of the Churchstow potato factory and numerous wind turbine ­applications. This is such a common occurrence that DMC member Cllr John Squire said at the hearing for the Frogmore Winslade wind turbine: 'I shall be absolutely astonished when this committee actually does something to ­protect the AONB.' The planning approval for the Winslade turbine was ­subsequently overturned by the High Court as an illegal ­decision, at considerable cost to the council tax payers; but a renewed application will be coming before the DMC again at the beginning of December. The credibility of the current system will be held to account at this hearing, and should your readers feel that the DMC should not, yet again, ­undermine the AONB by ­disregarding its advice, which is to reject this application, then I urge everyone to email your district councillor and the chair of the DMC, Cllr.Steer@south hams.gov.uk.