Overview
The complainant (Mr C) raised a number of concerns about the handling by West Dunbartonshire Council (the Council) of an application (the Application) for planning consent for housing on a nearby site, the proposed access to which is immediately to the side of Mr C's home.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that the Council:
- (a) mishandled Mr C's representations on the Application (upheld);
- (b) prepared a report on the Application prior to the expiry of the period for representations (upheld);
- (c) failed to meet Mr C's requests for information on their report and the minutes relating to the consideration of the Application (upheld);
- (d) officers took an over-active interest in promoting the applicant's interests particularly regarding access (not upheld); and
- (e) planning officers inappropriately issued the outline consent without further reference to the Council's Planning Committee (not upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Council review their procedures:
- (i) in order to ensure that in similar future circumstances objectors have confidence that their timely representations are fully considered and reported on; and
- (ii) on issuing reports for consideration where the period for representations has not expired.