Modern Life -Councils and developers

One issue that puzzles me over the Leek Roundabout issue is the craven way in which local Authorities seem to respond to the wishes of corporate business. Why do they cave in so? I have been following the issue as a comparative newcomer to Leek. It seems to me that local people take a great deal of pride in the roundabout and the heritage of the town. Why are the local council so stubborn on a matter of so little consequence?