An official from West Lindsey District Council has taken the unusual step of visiting Caistor to explain how and why a planning application has been granted.
Mark Sturgess, Chief Operating Officer at West Lindsey, visited Caistor Town Council last night (Thursday, November 12, 2015).
The application being discussed was for alterations that have already been carried out at No. 2 The Ropewalk.
Permission was granted by an official using delegated powers, despite requests from Caistor Town Council and a West Lindsey District Councillor for the application to be decided by a committee.
Cllr Alan Caine, who is chairman of Caistor Town Council’s planning committee, said the decision had “driven a coach and horses through policy,” as far as he was concerned.
Mr Sturgess explained that a similar application was submitted in 2004. It was refused by West Lindsey’s planning department but won on appeal.
The new application had only minor alterations to the one that had been granted before, said Mr Sturgess. “It would have been hard to refuse permission.”
When requests are made for an application to be decided by the committee, the requests are referred to the chairman of the planning committee, added Mr Sturgess.
“The chairman was consulted and it was his view that it could be dealt with by delegated powers,” he said.
Mr Sturgess said there would be some changes implemented to improve communications between West Lindsey and local councillors, following a peer review.
These included a new policy on telephone answering, more information online, and an email to district councillors letting them know when an application has been submitted in their ward, said Mr Sturgess.
District councillors will also be invited to attend a training programme in the next 12 months.
Cllr Michael Galligan asked how long a planning application could be lodged with West Lindsey.
“It could be indefinite, but the applicant has the right to appeal against non-determination after 56 days for most applications, and 13 weeks for major ones,” replied Mr Sturgess.
At the moment West Lindsey met the targets on 62% of major applications and 55% of minor ones, he added.
“We’re not right on the floor, but we need to improve,” said Mr Sturgess.
Cllr Galligan asked if there were any applications in Caistor that were currently outside the time limit.
“I am sure there will be, but I don’t have the details to hand at the moment,” said Mr Sturgess.
Mayor Carol Mackenzie said she had attended some of the peer review meetings and was glad to see some of the recommendations being put in place.
Some parish councils elsewhere in the country had been awarded powers to decide minor applications, added Mr Sturgess. He said applicants had the right to seek costs if they won their appeals, which had cost implications for these councils’ budgets.
Permission has also been granted for a dwelling at some former pig units off Brigg Road, said Cllr Caine.
The lead image shows Mr Sturgess (centre) discussing the draft local plan last month with West Lindsey district councillor Owen Bierley (right) and town councillor Michael Galligan.