Contrary decisions on shop extensions shows need for planning reform says Headingley Councillor

8.25.00pm GMT Wed 3rd Jan 2007

Cllr Martin Hamilton

Last week's Plans West meeting discussed the results of appeals relating to two planning applications for virtually identical extensions to shops on Brudenell Road, Leeds 6.

One Planning inspector agreed with the Council that the extension at number 86 was inappropriate but in a separate decision at number 90, another Planning Inspector found that the application should go ahead.

Commenting on this outcome panel member Councillor Martin Hamilton (Lib Dem, Headingley Ward) said "As a local authority we are shot down in flames if we make inconsistent planning decisions, yet two Bristol based Government Inspectors come to opposite views and there is no come back, something which satisfies neither the applicant nor the Council."

Councillor Hamilton continued "The planning system locally is open and transparent. Members of the public can attend and even speak at meetings. By contrast, the Planning Inspectorate makes his decision behind closed doors. The system clearly needs reform."

At the meeting, the planning officer agreed to write to the inspectorate to express the Panel's concerns about this apparently inconsistent approach.