Cllr Keith Mackman: “We have to justify our decisions”

I hope readers won’t become bored with planning matters but that is my main area of experience and I think it is important.

Recently myself and a Lib Dem councillor were required to defend a refusal at an inquiry hearing. Last week we got confirmation that the inspector had found in our favour and dismissed the appeal. This is the third time that the site in question has been before planning committee, each time recommended for approval and each time we refused it. I have every respect for our officers but the committee is NOT bound by their recommendations and we have to justify our decisions.

Given the record of success at appeal I think we can feel that our judgement is generally sound.