Planning bosses ‘couldn’t organise p*** up in brewery’

PLANNING bosses have been accused of being unable to organise a ‘p*** up in a brewery’ – and told they don’t properly communicate with people about future developments.

Tempers flared during a Tameside council meeting, with members of the public clashing with politicians and officers. Residents criticised how the town hall’s planning department engages with people who live near proposed developments .

People objecting to a series of plans – for a new free school, a children’s care home, and two new bungalows – all accused the council of poor communication.

Many said they had either not received letters notifying them of applications, while others said meetings with residents are ‘few and far between’. Committee member Coun Warren Bray agreed. He told officers there is a difference between the council meeting its legal responsibility to consult and ‘best practice’. Arguing against an application to build two bungalows on Carrhill Road, Mossley – which was later passed – resident Peter Cobley said: “I am disappointed with the planning department’s handling of the situation. The words ‘p*** up in a brewery’ spring to mind.”

Addressing concerns over a lack of consultation on a new free school, Coun Bray called on officers to talk to residents more. He said: “I have said this before at planning. We need to be doing a lot more in that regard, particularly with major developments.”