'Your observations on the planning system are well overdue. I feel for the planner who diligently tries to operate under the heavy workload…but ultimate responsibility needs to be placed right at the top of the system - Government...' 'The whole system stinks, it is a license for busy-bodies and cranks, and it promotes only mediocrity without chopping out the dross...' 'I worked in the local authority system for 20 years before leaving to set up on my own. As an engineer for XXX Council we were always expected to return phone calls and always reply to letters. Planners do not seem to think this is necessary or part of their duties. You might get lucky after 10 calls and get a call back but most likely not. I have, over the years, written several letters to planners without reply...'

No sooner had I hit the ‘publish’ button on the last Dispatch than I received a sharp (!!!) rebuke from The Ledge Murray demanding retractions and apologies for the fact that, although he had won the competition with his witty answer to the question ‘How Sustainable Are You?’ I had printed his submission incorrectly.

Okay, I’ve been rattling on for hundreds of words now, doing my best to provide a much needed public service… all the while putting on a manly face to hide my deep, deep feelings of hurt and pain.

The Urban Forum is a sort of think tank which in recent years has been looking at the problems we’re having adapting to an urban way of life. The group draws input from the professional bodies representing the architects, planners, engineers, landscape planners and surveyors. Their most significant position paper, ‘A Better Quality of Life For All’, was published on February 13th last. You may have heard it being talked about on the radio. It’s not a long document and it’s worth the read.

This is exclusive. Buoyed by the success of their Housing Design Guidelines book, Cork County Council are now publishing an assessment of how well the guidelines have worked in practise. Thanks to the Council for sending me a sneak preview of what they tell me is a ‘coffee table picture book’ they hope to have ready for the lucrative Christmas season.

PART ONE : NEW YORK V IRELAND WHO'S WHO? [New York] In New York, listed buildings are called Landmark Buildings, architectural conservation areas Landmark Districts. All issues relating to Landmark Buildings and Districts are handled by one organisation: the Landmarks Preservation Commission (the LPC).