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Friday, March 30, 2007 3:16 PM
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Most authorities appear to have adopted a three-minute period for applicants, objectors or other interested persons to address the relevant planning committee. Only one such period is usually allowed, which seems fair and in accordance with the rules of natural justice. But one authority with which I am dealing has no limit on the number of persons who can speak. So in some cases the committee is addressed by several objectors, each having three minutes, while the applicant is restricted to just three minutes. Do you agree that this is unfair, as the applicant is clearly disadvantaged? IE.
There is no national guidance on this matter. The Local Government Association has advised that procedures for addressing committees in person should be set out in local protocols. Practice across the country varies. Typically, as you say, three minutes only is allocated in total for those speaking in favour or against an application.
So if there are a number of objectors or supporters to a proposal, a single spokesperson must be nominated. I agree that the practice you describe seems unfair since it appears weighted in favour of objectors. Where local procedures are fundamentally flawed it is likely that they will be identified in Best Value performance reviews. In certain circumstances, a complaint to the local government ombudsman may be justified. PM.
Message edited by: webmaster on 03/30/2007 15:17:42
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