MP wins rethink over Glusburn plans appeal (From Craven Herald)

Green Lane appeal to be held in public after intervention of MP Julian Smith

3:30pm Saturday 4th February 2012 in News

An appeal into a proposed development of 49 homes off Green Lane, Glusburn, will be held in public, following the intervention of MP Julian Smith.

But although his involvement has been welcomed by objectors, it has been described as ill-informed by the leader of Craven District Council.

Coun Chris Knowles-Fitton (Cons) said he was disappointed Mr Smith had gone to the inspectorate without first consulting the council on its reasons for agreeing to the inquiry being dealt with by written representations.

It will be the third time a refused planning application for the site has gone to appeal, but it would have been the first time the appeal was not heard in front of the public.

Coun Knowles-Fitton said the council had responded to the inspectorate’s change of mind and had indicated it would prefer a hearing rather than a full blown public inquiry.

The original decision to confine the inquiry to written representations was made with the agreement of both the appellant and the council.

A decision would have been made by an inspector considering evidence from both sides and any interested parties.

A hearing held in public normally lasts about half a day and interested parties are allowed to speak at the discretion of the inspector. An inquiry is much more costly, can last several days and usually involves expert witnesses on both sides.

Glusburn councillor Philip Barrett (Ind) said he was delighted the appeal would now be held in public.

“Thankfully, the inspectorate have given it thorough reconsideration, along with our MP’s concerns and other representations made and decided that it would be inappropriate in this case.

“We now have to await the decision on whether a local hearing or inquiry is to be held, but in either case it will now be held in public and as such will be welcomed by many residents.”

In a letter to Mr Smith, inspectorate chief executive, Sir Michael Pitt, said there had been a reconsideration after the MP and others had raised concerns.

“It is of our opinion a hearing or public inquiry is the most appropriate way forward, our decision will be welcomed locally and will satisfy many of the concerns of your constituents.”

A date will be set once it has been decided whether the appeal will be heard at a hearing or public inquiry.

Mr Smith said: “I am pleased the Planning Inspectorate has listened to the concerns. I have been determined residents have more of a say over developments where they live and I hope this change is an illustration of the importance placed on listening to the views of the community.”