Criticism has been levelled at Copeland’s planning panel by the borough’s mayor – for “ignoring” planning officers’ advice 14 times.
Copeland’s elected mayor Mike Starkie hit out at the borough council’s planning panel at the latest full meeting.
The clash was sparked by a vote to excuse two councillors from meetings they are unable to attend due to ill health.
Cllr David Moore’s motion involved bringing Labour member Mike Hawkins onto the planning panel as a temporary replacement for one of the absent councillors.
One councillor asked when training would be given to the new member of the planning panel.
Mr Starkie said: “I think it’s imperative that the training does take place and I’d like to see some revisiting of the training of the existing planning panel because it is rather concerning that we’ve got three members who have voted against professional officer advice a combined 43 times.
“That’s on average 14 times each they’ve voted against the professional advice they’ve been given by an award winning set of planning officers.”
Cllr Michael McVeigh, leader of the council’s Labour group and deputy chairman of the planning panel, said: “I’ve been on planning since I came on and we did spend a lot of money at council on training.”
He said that nationally renowned town and country planner David Kaiserman provided the training to members.
“He did state clearly if you feel comfortably against something then you have that right to vote against,” he said.
Cllr Hugh Branney (Labour, Cleator Moor) said: “I think if members can’t disagree with advice we might as well do away with the whole committee and just have it as a rubber stamping exercise.”
Mr Starkie said: “What, one councillor disagreeing 17 times?”
Chairwoman of the planning panel Joan Hully said: “Yes I’ve done the training and yes I’ve been on it 26 years and it is a democratic right to disagree.
“It is a recommendation from the officers and I have every respect and always have for all of our officers.”
Copeland Borough Council’s planning team was recognised at the recent Royal Town Planning Institute North West Awards for Planning Excellence.
The team won awards for Excellence in Planning for Heritage and Culture and Excellence in Planning for a Successful Economy.
Their role in Whitehaven Bus Station development won the team the awards.
