Escalation of scheme was ‘opportunity’

A councillor has questioned the process which saw the 421-homes scheme examined again, after the planning committee already had its say. In May nine councillors voted to refuse the application, with three voting against that motion and one abstention, leading to the decision being deferred.

In June the vote against the application was passed with 10 for, two against and one abstention.

This process followed the council’s constitution and accordingly, as the committee had been advised by officers that their decision could have “significant cost implications”, it was deferred to the policy and resources group.

However, Cllr Robert

Eves said: “I feel it was an opportunity for officers to try to take away the legitimate decision of the elected members. I think what has been missed by officers is that we didn’t consider the cost risk - we did. There’s a strong chance the council can win at appeal.”

But council leader, Martin Cox said: “If the planning committee make a decision as part of the process they are given a review opportunity.”