Liberal Democrats challenge 'undemocratic' planning system

12.01.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 5th Oct 2006

Councillor Sue Farrant, ward member for Northcroft, is this week leading the Liberal Democrat Group on West Berkshire Council in challenging the planning system. Responding to calls from members of the public at the Newbury Area Forum, which she chairs, Councillor Farrant has put down a motion to be debated at the next full council meeting in December.

Councillor Farrant commented:

"Liberal Democrats are delighted to be putting this motion before full council. I have long been concerned that the Planning Inspectorate is able to overturn decisions made on local matters by the elected representatives of the local people. It is also unfair that applicants are able to appeal decisions but objectors are not. The system as it stands is unbalanced. This motion, if passed, will ask for the Council to write formally to the Local Government Association to ask them to lobby for change in the system."

The next meeting of the full council will take place on December 14th, when this motion will be debated. Members of the public are welcome to attend and all details of the meeting are available on the West Berkshire Council website at www.westberks.gov.uk.