Walsall Council responds to criticism of controversial planning application

The authority’s planning committee approved a proposal to build two five-bedroom homes at Barr Lane on June 19.

The approval followed objections by five statutory consultees, including conservation, ecology, highways, planning policy, and trees, as well as a warning from the council’s principal solicitor.

The decision sparked upset from councillors and the community organisation Beacon Action Group.

Councillor Waheed Rasab called on the authority to carry out a full investigation, refer itself to the ombudsman and even undergo a judicial review.

But the council said it was not possible to seek a judicial review of its own decision or self-refer to the ombudsman.

Councillor Garry Perry, former leader of Walsall Council, said public concern about the planning committee has intensified following the decision.

The chairman of Beacon Action Group, Bob Winkle, slammed the decision and said it went against the officer’s recommendations for refusal.

Ahead of the meeting, the group had submitted a stage one and stage two complaint about the way the application was being handled.

But Mr Winkle said the complaint has not been properly responded to.

Meanwhile, on July 7, a peer review into the council’s planning services was published.

It praised the council’s planning officers but raised several concerns about the planning committee, stating that it required a ‘fundamental overhaul’.

The authority is yet to publish the decision notice for the Barr Lakes Lane application but it has provided a statement in response to the criticism. ****

A spokesperson said: “Members are made aware of legal challenges and costs before overturning officers’ recommendations.

“After hearing and questioning the evidence presented to them at committee, members weigh up the material planning considerations in favour and against the application before making a decision.

“Members may apply different weight to officers on specific material matters presented and subsequently arrive at an alternative decision.”

In response to the Beacon Action Group’s concerns over the complaint handling, a spokesperson said: “The council’s complaints procedure has recently been updated to provide a more holistic response to complaints.

“In this instance, the council has followed and concluded a robust two-stage complaints process.

“If complainants remain dissatisfied after the process has concluded, the next stage would be to take the complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman.”