What's the point of council "consultations"?

Just back from a campaign planning meeting. (Loads to do between now and election day on 4th June.) Lib Dem leader on Chelmsford council, Mike Mackrory, reported on a council meeting last night. The Conservatives who run the council have COMPLETELY ignored the hundreds of people who commented on their plans for 4000 houses on green fields. (Details here.) They press on with their plans for an urban sprawl, leading to more congestion and negative impact on local services.

The Government requires councils to consult the public four times during the production of each planning policy document. Sadly, councils are NOT required to listen to anything said in the consultation!