Last week, Mr Degan (Adding fuel to the fire, Letters, June 5) had concerns that the council may be influenced in its planning decisions by being partner in the company called Hart Homes formed in 2017.

The other partner is a housing association and the purpose of the company is to increase the number of affordable homes being built in the borough. I would be more concerned if the council had not taken such action.

His concern is rooted in the possibility that those making a planning decision may be influenced by this relationship.

There is a well understood need for the separation between planning decision makers and developers. This is reflected in current laws and guidance which advises against both bias and perceived bias in making planning decisions.

There has been a stark and recent reminder of this recently when the High Court set aside the planning decision of the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. (Mr R Jenrick MP).

He was approached at a fundraising dinner last year by a fellow diner about a planning application on his desk concerning the Westferry printworks. He turned the people away being aware of the need not to speak about the matter with the developer.

He subsequently granted planning permission. The local council was furious for various reasons and took the matter to the court.

On the ground that there must be neither bias nor perceived bias, the court set aside the planning permission. It has gone back to the Government to be decided by another minister.

There is both a pressing need to bring forward affordable homes in Watford and in being proactive in doing so, while being aware of the need to avoid bias and perceived bias.

As far as I can tell the council have, so far, trod a careful path between the rock and the whirlpool. Long may it continue.

Roger Pidgeon

By email