No visit for decision makers

The Lib Dems have slammed the Conservative planning chairman for not granting their requests for a site visit concerning the William Hunter Way development.

But chairman Keith Parker says one would only take place if it had been asked for at the correct time - and it is unnecessary anyway.

Lib Dem planning committee member Karen Chilvers said: "The Lib Dems are fully aware of the application site and detail, but it was clear at the meeting in December that some did not fully appreciate the size, mass, scale and composition of the application.

"This is such a key decision that I feel it would be beneficial for all members to formally view the site."

Cllr Parker said a formal site visit with planning officers should have been requested when council leader Cllr Brandon Lewis decided to defer the decision in November.

Although a site visit could still be requested formally, Cllr Parker added: "I don't think it is necessary - there has been enough information."