Pete Costello is standing for election to represent the Dawlish South West ward at Teignbridge District Council for the South Devon Alliance.

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Hello, my name is Pete Costello. I was born in Devon, at The Mussel Inn, Down Thomas, Wembury.

I have not lived in the county for all of my life, I have travelled and lived abroad and in other parts of England.

I have always found my way back home. I don't currently live in Dawlish and I am not going to pretend that I do.

I live in Teignmouth, so why do I feel you might want me to represent you, the people of Dawlish South West?

The main political parties with their system of party lines and party whips, will all allow a lot more development, it's in their manifestos and in their interests.

This reckless and indiscriminate development threatens the fabric of our societies by its sheer volume.

It's not building communities, it's building dormitories, placing a massive burden on the community they engulf.

I know that people need homes and people need jobs but we need lives too, not just an existence in a soulless urban wasteland.

Integrity and common sense must be injected into the planning process, even if it does limit the developers' profits.

I am standing as a member of the South Devon Alliance. We are an alliance of passionate local residents who want to challenge the decades of being ignored and poor decision-making.

With 26 candidates in a number of Teignbridge wards, we come from all walks of life and a wide range of ages.

Some like myself are new to politics as a participant, I don't see this as a disadvantage.

There are some with considerable experience, who have left the mainstream political parties to join us.

The aim of the South Devon Alliance is to create a functioning and transparent democracy in Teignbridge.

I have joined as an independent-minded Teignbridge resident who wants to see honesty and accountability in local government.

A local government where decisions are made for the good of the electorate and their children, ensuring a future where we have fields to grow food, a countryside to enjoy, clean water to swim in, good quality transport networks and safe roads.

A future where public service is not about self service and where decisions that affect whole communities are clear and understood.

Dawlish is a lovely place, please let me help you protect it.

SEE ALSO: Full list of Dawlish local elections candidates announced