'CONSULTATION' has become something of a dirty word in modern times. Its meaning has been devalued and in many cases what often passes for 'consultation' is a far cry from the dictionary definition.

Therefore it is not surprising to see that uproar has broken out over a decision to approve a fiercely contested scheme for student flats accommodation at Trinity and All Saints College in Horsforth. While no-one is alleging that anything illegal has been done, many protesters are of the opinion that the plan has been pushed through in an underhand way.

The plans were blocked originally so that the college could carry out a consultation with the community. This led to a public meeting in September. All well and good, it might be said. However, residents in the immediate vicinity of the scheme say they were not invited, others knew nothing about it and objecting ward councillors could not get to it.

It is also alleged that city council planners, faced with the prospect of a costly appeal, had urged the college to resubmit the original planning application. This was done and the application this time was passed without a single dissenting voice.

What is even more disturbing is that ward and town councillors who had originally opposed the use of this particular site for the accommodation say that they did not know a decision was going to be taken on the application at the planning meeting.

'Consultation' must be seen to be done. Yet 300 residents who felt strongly enough to oppose the scheme are of the opinion that they have not been properly consulted. As ward councillor and Lord Mayor of Leeds Chris Townsley says: "Consultation is about talking to residents and not just a few councillors."

Irrespective of whether or not people will agree with his description of the consultation as 'a sham', we can say that as far as public participation is concerned, this is as poor an example as we are likely to see for a considerable time to come.