Tory council denies residents their say
A planning application in Fairfield Road, Brentwood West, will go ahead despite a local councillor asking for the matter to be heard at by the Planning Committee - a request denied by the ruling Conservatives.
The application for an extra floor on the building to house four flats was recommended to be approved by officers but, not for the first time, the oppotunity for residents to speak on the mattter was ruled out. Every week, councillors are given a list of recommendations and have the option to ask for further debate but it is rare these days that this is agreed to. It's not always about overturning the decision, sometimes it is to attach conditions so as not to impinge on neighbours.
Cllr Sarah Cloke, who requested the referral. said:
"It's disappointing that the Conservatives have chosen not to allow the voices of local residents to be heard on this matter".