Overview
The complainant, Mr C, raised a number of concerns about the planning advice given to him concerning a plot of land he wished to purchase.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) Mr C was not given an explanation for the reasons why the development plot was affected by a change of circumstances or why the definitive advice given to him in October 2004 did not apply (not upheld);
- (b) Mr C's objections to planning permission were not taken into account and he was not advised that planning permission was granted on 6 April 2006 (upheld); and
- (c) the Council delayed in responding to Mr C's correspondence (not upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Council emphasise to staff that care should be taken in responding to correspondence and that replies given to members of the public address the concerns raised and be made in a timely fashion. She also recommends that the Council apologise to Mr C for failing to advise him from the outset that planning permission had been granted.
The Council have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.