A FORMER local authority head of legal services has been appointed to look into the 'robustness and application' of Craven District Council procedures.

It follows the recent decision by chief executive Paul Shevlin to inform councillors that he was in the process of buying a home in the Lambert Hills development, which is being built by housing firm Lovell on the site of the council’s former offices in Skipton.

Lovell is also the council's chosen development partner in plans to build around 100 new homes next to the canal at Horse Close, also in Skipton.

Mr Shevlin told the Craven Herald earlier this month that he had not gained anything from his position and that the purchase price of the house would be a matter of public record.

He added he had chosen to tell councillors because of possible issues with the Granville Street development - which continues to be controversial with nearby residents - and because of continuing negotiations with the developer over Horse Close.

He had taken the advice of the council monitoring officer, and had distanced himself from discussions with Lovell over Horse Close 'to avoid any misconceptions'.

There is no suggestion that Mr Shevlin has broken any rules as a result of this transaction.

Liz Bashforth, formerly assistant chief executive, legal and governance, with Sheffield City Council, and currently interim director of legal and democratic services at Wakefield Council, has been appointed to look into procedures at Craven District Council because she is independent and is an experienced solicitor and monitoring officer.

The authority would not be drawn on what procedures Ms Bashforth would be looking into or what period of time she would be covering.

But when asked directly whether the gathering of information would look into Mr Shevlin's house purchase, a spokesman said: “Ms Bashforth will be looking into procedures that may be applicable to this matter.”

The spokesman said the appointment of Ms Bashforth had followed a request by the council leader.

"The leader of the council, Cllr Richard Foster, has requested information relating to the robustness and application of council procedures.

“The council has appointed Ms Liz Bashforth, an experienced solicitor and monitoring officer, to gather the information requested by the leader.

"Ms Bashforth will consider all council procedures and relevant information that may be applicable to this matter.”

The spokesman added: "Upon receipt, the leader will assess the information in accordance with council procedures."

When contacted by the Craven Herald Mr Shevlin said he had nothing to add.