The Town and Country Planning Act 1971 may not seem like a laughing matter to many.

But one former planning officer believes there is much humour to be found in a council’s planning department and hopes that thousands more will agree once his new book is published.

Steve Ankers, from Lewes, is eagerly awaiting the publication in June of his second satire on council planning, Grotton Revisited: Planning in Crisis?

The 60-year-old, who now works as a part-time planning officer with the South Downs Society, has drawn inspiration for the book from 15 years employment at East Sussex County Council.

The book follows the fortunes of the fictional Grotton County Council and has been co-authored with two former colleagues.

Between them they have more than 100 years of planning experience.

Mr Ankers lives with his wife Margaret and his 22-year-old daughter Mairi.

For more information about the book go to www.rtpi.org.uk