Councillor hits out at Inspectorate (From Swindon Advertiser)

Councillor hits out at Inspectorate over Brynards Hill

10:30am Thursday 14th March 2013 in News

A PLANNING inquiry into Brynards Hill in Royal Wootton Bassett that was due to take place last week was cancelled.

Coun Peter Doyle (Con, Royal Wootton Bassett South) said: “The Planning Inspectorate have recently allowed a number of major local planning permissions originally refused by Wiltshire Council.

“These include previous applications in respect of Brynards Hill and also at Ridgeway Farm but there are other examples elsewhere in the county.

“When so little support for local decision making is forthcoming from the Planning Inspectorate, Wiltshire Council has to consider the wisdom of risking the loss of substantial amounts of local taxpayers’ money in fighting appeals.

“In the case of Brynards Hill, given the past history of Planning Inspectorate decisions, it would have not have been very sensible for the council to waste further amounts of money at appeals.

“Most of my local constituents fully understand and share my concern that taxpayers’ money should not be wasted.

“In my own opinion, however, given this background, the role and powers of the Planning Inspectorate should be thoroughly reviewed by government because the manner in which the Inspectorate currently appears to be operating is effectively undermining local democracy and decision making – contrary to best intentions of the Localism Act.”

Coun Doyle has set up a petition seeking a review of the Planning Inspectorate. Visit http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/45282