Walsall Councillor demands probe into green belt homes approval
A Walsall councillor has called on the authority to refer itself to the ombudsman over a recent controversial planning decision.
On June 19, the council’s planning committee approved an application to build two-five-bedroom homes within the Great Barr Conservation Area on Barr Lakes Lane.
The application was met with 25 objections from neighbours and interested parties, objections from five out of ten statutory consultees, and a warning from the council’s principal solicitor, Alison Sargent, who said approving the application would put the authority in a ‘vulnerable position’.
As recently reported by Local Democracy Reporting Service, Beacon Action Group chairman Bob Winkle said he believed that the planning committee’s decision was ‘unlawful’.
Now, Councillor Waheed Rasab has called on the council to carry out a full investigation, refer itself to the ombudsman and even undergo a judicial review.
He said: “A full investigation needs to take place immediately, and if necessary we need to refer ourselves to the ombudsman. I also suggest we involve external legal advice and a judicial review.”
Walsall Council recently underwent a peer challenge into its planning services. The review looks into the service as a ‘critical friend’ and makes recommendations. The outcome of the review is yet to be published.
Walsall Council has been approached for a statement.
