Councillor brands restrictions on viewing plans ‘ridiculous’
A Rutherglen councillor has attacked“ridiculous” restrictions on viewing planning applications in the local area.
Robert Brown, who is a Liberal Democrat councillor for Rutherglen South, made the remarks after the Reformer revealed some locals are so disgruntled with the proceedings that they have submitted a complaint to an ombudsman.
They were unhappy regarding an application for an extension on Douglas Drive in Cambuslang, where they were unable to view the planning committee meeting to debate the issue or to make representation regarding their case.
The application received more than 50 complaints but was approved unanimously by South Lanarkshire’s planning committee with no debate.
Mr Brown said:“The planning process is too much weighted towards applicants, rather than wider public issues and the interests of the community.
“I managed to get the council to improve the information they gave to objectors following the difficulties on certain cases like that around 7 Douglas Drive.
“When I was in the Scottish Parliament, the Liberal Democrats got some significant improvements made including introducing the pre-application community consultation in significant planning applications.
“The present Covid restrictions mean that the public can’t even view the planning proceedings to which they are objectors. This is quite ridiculous and I see no reason why the council could not provide a facility for members of the public to tune into planning hearings and watch what goes on on teleconference.
“I also think that there should be greater rights for objectors to be heard at Planning Committees.”
South Lanarkshire Council were contacted last week by the Reformer in connection with Mr Brown’s comments, but did not provide a comment on the matter.