Cllr Michael Hicks, deputy leader and executive member for planning, economy and community, South Hams Council, writes: Your letters page regularly features correspondence from residents commenting on planning decisions by South Hams Council. While I do not always agree with some of the views expressed, I respect people's right to have their say and welcome this vibrant dialogue about planning in the local area. I would not normally seek to challenge the comments made by residents on the letters page but on this occasion I would like to respond to some untrue, unfair and frankly, inflammatory comments made last week in the letter, Turbine turkeys' Christmas vote, Letters, June 13. Firstly, Cllr Richard Foss did not vote in favour of the Winslade Farm application, as stated in the letter.    No planning application submitted to South Hams Council is ever a 'done deal'. All applications are carefully considered and a decision is made on the planning merits of the development. Sometimes, members of the development management committee do go against the recommendation of a planning officer after carefully considering all the arguments.  Ultimately, this is democracy in action in the local planning system. An allegation of 'strong bias' was also made regarding the committee. Again, I reiterate the point that decisions are made on planning grounds only and councillors are duty bound to declare any financial or personal interests when considering an application. Please continue to air your views and join the debate about planning in the South Hams but in the interests of fairness please do not make unfounded accusations.