Councillors ‘did not prejudice themselves’ at site visit over controversial outhouse
TWO councillors assured officials they had not broken any rules following a planning objection.
Neighbour Mr James Neary raised concerns with the development control committee over a conversation between two members and an applicant during a site visit to Helmshore Road, Helmshore.
He claimed: “They have, in my opinion, fettered their interest in this process and thus would be unable to have an objective opinion and should therefore stand down from this process. I feel this is not fair on me.”
But the councillors - Marilyn Procter and Andrea Fletcher - both confirmed they did not believe they had breached any rules or prejudiced themselves in the process, adding that they had to speak to the applicant to be able to gain access to the site.
Coun Fletcher said: “We had to be allowed on to the property to have a look at the proposals. It was just general conversation. I don’t feel I have fettered any discretion at all.”
Following the explanations, legal services manager Clare Birtwistle said: “I am satisfied that members haven’t fettered, and this matter can now proceed.”
The retrospective proposal by Mr Tom Albinson was for the demolition of a stone built outhouse built onto the boundary wall between the former vicarage building at 415 Helmshore Road and the adjacent Grade II-listed Gregory Fold Barn. The building has been replaced with a new stone built outhouse also built onto the boundary wall.
Residents on Gregory Fold had objected. Mr Neary, of Gregory Fold Barn, had argued that it would have a significant impact on the setting of the barn and their amenity/private space.
In determining the planning and listed building consent applications, members discussed location and the cleaning of the gutters, height and design of the roof, and rebuilding of the wall. They approved it by seven votes to one.