tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34112832.post6761811071476132939..comments2023-11-05T09:37:36.840+01:00Comments on A View From Rural Wales: "Ve have Vays of making you conform"Glyn Davieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10442114752573417252noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34112832.post-91225272425998015682009-02-08T10:53:00.000+01:002009-02-08T10:53:00.000+01:00Jeff Jones said"Councillors have to be careful tha...Jeff Jones said<BR/>"Councillors have to be careful that they do not give the impression that they have already made up their mind regarding a planning matter. Any councillor saying, for example, at a public meeting that they were opposed to a planning appliction is effectively risking a possible leagal challenge if they subsequently attend the planning committee and vote on the issue."<BR/><BR/>What about the councillor who's a farmer with wind turbines on his land,actions speak louder than words, surely one can't be more predetermined than that?!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34112832.post-53790307316025045552009-02-07T10:08:00.000+01:002009-02-07T10:08:00.000+01:00Matt - I hadn't heard that. I did read that Mick ...Matt - I hadn't heard that. I did read that Mick Bates, who chairs the Sustainability Committee in the Assembly was lambasting all of those people (including a goodly number of his constituents) who are opposed to wind farms.<BR/><BR/>Anon - Sorry but I cannot explain it. That needs someone with a civil servant's thought process.<BR/><BR/>Jeff - I agree, but its as well to avoid trouble if possible. Its better if the meeting doesn't discuss specific applications or individual staff members. I recall when I was one of the panel of AMs who sat on the Planning Panel. You've never seen nervousness like it amongst officers - and I wasn't the easiest to control. I remember once meeting a deputation outside the senedd to receive a petition, when the leader of the protesters gave me a tiny litttle soft toy as a momento of the visit. It never reached my grasp. It was snatched before it made it to my hand.Glyn Davieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17344589217554138315noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34112832.post-27707391273656442542009-02-07T09:17:00.000+01:002009-02-07T09:17:00.000+01:00This is typical of the incorrect advice often give...This is typical of the incorrect advice often given to councillors by planning officers regarding predetermination. Councillors have to be careful that they do not give the impression that they have already made up their mind regarding a planning matter. Any councillor saying, for example, at a public meeting that they were opposed to a planning appliction is effectively risking a possible leagal challenge if they subsequently attend the planning committee and vote on the issue. As long as they realie this there is absolutely nothing wrong in my opinion and with 30 years experienec of local government for councillors listening to the arguments for or against a planning application. The meeting you mention Glyn seems to be a very sensible way for individuals to meet councillors to discuss general concerns reagding the planning system in the area. My advice to Powys councillors would be to ignore the letter. You have a democratic duty to listen to the concerns of constituents. If councillors are worried about the legal issue then go to the Standards Board for England website and download the excellent free pamphlet on predetermination written by a well known and respected QC.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34112832.post-81791297035587367682009-02-07T00:33:00.000+01:002009-02-07T00:33:00.000+01:00Perhaps you could explain to me why a councillor w...Perhaps you could explain to me why a councillor who's made it known that he thinks there are enough wind farms in Montgomeryshre is not allowed to take part in any planning discussions or vote on this subject, yet someone who has turbines on his land is allowed to vote for them?!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34112832.post-62748147162411802812009-02-06T23:24:00.000+01:002009-02-06T23:24:00.000+01:00Being cynical, and you'll be more in the loop than...Being cynical, and you'll be more in the loop than I on this Glyn, it would appear that WAG (see the consultation report from the renewable energy routemap and some rumblings elsewhere) are about to slam down on LPAs regarding delays - especially windfarm applications. Might this have something to do with it?Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01239501815588718526noreply@blogger.com