One of the ironies of the planning system is that local ward councilors are required not to express a view about a planning application before it comes to committee. If they are partisan, it means they will be held to have "prejudicial interest" and cannot vote.
Obviously on big controversial applications some councillors find this a restriction. For instance, Cllr Alan Bastable has publicly criticised the Flitt Leys/Central Motors development because of the inclusion of a school access in the design brief and concerns about congestion. This means he is unable to vote at the development control committee when it comes up.
I recognise the advantage of having your local councillor raising an issue which people are worried about - such as Flitt Leys/Central Motors but I am also concerned that we do not have a voice at the crucial moment - when the votes are counted.
Obviously on big controversial applications some councillors find this a restriction. For instance, Cllr Alan Bastable has publicly criticised the Flitt Leys/Central Motors development because of the inclusion of a school access in the design brief and concerns about congestion. This means he is unable to vote at the development control committee when it comes up.
I recognise the advantage of having your local councillor raising an issue which people are worried about - such as Flitt Leys/Central Motors but I am also concerned that we do not have a voice at the crucial moment - when the votes are counted.
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