Planning Application objection posted on the public planning portal from a Planning Committee Councillor

[Lincolnshire Ian]

Hi

We are applying for planning, and we have received an objection from a parish councillor who is also a member of the district planning committee. I understand that this councillor should now remove themselves from the planning decision-making process.

Does anyone know if there are any guidance notes/codes of practice that would prevent a councillor who serves on the district planning committee from publishing an objection on a freely accessible planning portal?

Thanks

[BigBub]

Each LPA will normally set out their own Code of Practice or Guidance Protocol for Members on a specific committee.

[Alan Ambrose]

There is also the general civil service code re ethics etc. Short letter to individual also copied to head of planning asking that the person is not involved in your application?

[BigBub]

The civil service code applies to Civil Servants. Only those who work for central government are considered civil servants. Councillors fall within local government

[Alan Ambrose]

duh, silly me, you're right, something like this then:

 

https://www.local.gov.uk/our-support/councillor-and-officer-development/councillor-hub/role-councillor/code-conduct-and

 

In accordance with the public trust placed in me, on all occasions:

• I act with integrity and honesty
• I act lawfully
• I treat all persons fairly and with respect; and
• I lead by example and act in a way that secures public confidence in the role of councillor.

In undertaking my role:

• I impartially exercise my responsibilities in the interests of the local community
• I do not improperly seek to confer an advantage, or disadvantage, on any person
• I avoid conflicts of interest
• I exercise reasonable care and diligence; and
• I ensure that public resources are used prudently in accordance with my local authority’s requirements and in the public interest.

[ToughButterCup]

2 hours ago, Lincolnshire Ian said:

... objection from a parish councillor who is also a member of the district planning committee. I understand that this councillor should now remove themselves from the planning decision-making process.

...

 

Here Be Dagons.

 

If ever there was an instance where micropolitics will play a role in the outcome, it is here. 

 

Is the Objection material to the application?

 

PS Can't wait for @IanR and @Temp to get their teeth into this. 

[DevilDamo]

*waits for application to be called into Committee*

[IanR]

3 hours ago, ToughButterCup said:

PS Can't wait for @IanR and @Temp to get their teeth into this. 

Ha - Not something I have direct experience of but I know of the "Probity in Planning" guidance document for councillors:

https://www.local.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/34.2_Probity_in_Planning_04.pdf

As per section 5 I believe the councillor in question would have to withdraw from the committee since if he's already given his view before committee he has a "closed mind" with regards the decision to be made.

[ToughButterCup]

Well, there you are @Lincolnshire Ian, 

10 hours ago, IanR said:

... I believe the councillor in question would have to withdraw from the committee since if he's already given his view before committee he has a "closed mind" with regards the decision to be made.

and 

14 hours ago, DevilDamo said:

*waits for application to be called into Committee*

 

That Councillor will have friends. It won't be too hard to work out who they are. If you look at the others on that committee and their political affinity, it shouldn't be too hard to read the runes.

 

Key point; is his(?) objection Material to your application? If not, you've nowt to worry about.

 

If so: deal with it . 

[Alan Ambrose]

Yeah the friends thing is a problem. But, the good thing is that he's put his head above the parapet - he could have just kept quiet and politicked behind the scenes.

[ToughButterCup]

Exactly Alan. 

But we still don't know whether the objection is Material to the application. It better had be coming from District Councillor .... 

 

@Lincolnshire Ian - can you send us the link to your Application please? We'll be pleased to help - plus we're all as nosey as tomcats anyway.....