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How to object to plans

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A recent planning decision in Rowney Green has highlighted the fact that many residents are unaware of the correct process for lodging objections.

An application for a new agricultural building in the grounds of Jasmine Cottage in Gravel Pit Lane was submitted to Bromsgrove District Council in September, generating a number of objections from neighbours.

Resident John Williams delivered his objection to Alvechurch Parish Council and attended a meeting of its planning committee, at which councillors also decided to object to the application.

However, it was subsequently approved by Bromsgrove planning officers, rather than going before a full district planning committee.

When Mr Williams complained to the parish and district councils, he was told that he and other residents should have taken their objections direct to their district councillor, who could then have requested the involvement of the planning committee.

“I assumed it was up to the parish council to object on behalf of me and other residents, but it seems this is not the case,” he told The Village.

“Although I’ve been assured that correct procedure was adhered to, this decision was still made behind closed doors – and there’s no way to appeal against it now. It seems undemocratic to me.”

Alvechurch Parish Council discussed the matter with district and county councillor Kit Taylor at their November meeting.

Coun Marc Worrall said, “There seem to be a lot of applications that get dealt with under delegated powers and very few go to committee. In many, many other local authorities there is an automatic process.”

Coun Taylor replied: “Residents need to understand that they need to talk to their district councillor. I will call something in on one objection.

“If you as a parish council knew there was a problem, you could have told me and I would have called it in.”