Overview
The complainant, Ms C (acting on behalf of an Action Group (the Group)) was concerned that Council planning officers had decided there was no requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in connection with a planning application. She also felt that there were delays in responding to the Group's complaints and concerns.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) the Council did not correctly identify a planning application as a Schedule 2 development or deal with it appropriately (not upheld); and
- (b) there were delays in responding to the Group's complaints and concerns (partially upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Council:
- (i) ensure that, where appropriate, planning officers include sufficient detail in their reports on planning applications to demonstrate they have fully considered the EIA Regulations; and
- (ii) emphasise to staff the importance of keeping complainants informed of the progress of any formal complaint and of the stage of the complaints process at which their complaint has been considered.