Councillors criticised over handling of tennis net call

A row over the type of screening used by a lawn tennis club has resulted in three councillors being accused of breaching their professional code of conduct.

Dalkeith Lawn Tennis Club applied for planning permission to place netting along a fence overlooking residences near their base last year.

But t hey were ordered to change t he t ype of netting used to a “more transparent” type after the application was brought before Midlothian Council’s planning committee by depute provost Councillor Margot Russell.

Councillor Russell is facing accusations she prejudiced in her views about the application because she visited an objector’s home prior to the committee meeting and only inspected one side of the fence.

At a Standards Commission Hearing in Dalkeith, it was alleged Councillor Russell had ‘ inadvertently’ influenced the planning committee’s decision. Also facing claims of acting, or being perceived to act, unfairly is fellow committee member Councillor John Hackett, who also visited the objector’s home.

Councillor Colin Cassidy is charged with failing to declare an interest by not disclosing a friendship with objectors.

The hearing continues