THE Conservative leader for Stroud District Council has hit back at ‘unfounded’ allegations that the development control committee show favouritism.

Cllr Nigel Cooper (Con, Painswick & Upton) has urged the district council to issue a public statement in an attempt to retain public trust in the committee, which is not political and must stick to strict guidelines.

The council’s constitution states that councillors should not favour individuals or groups and must represent their constituents and vote in the interests of the district as a whole.

Cllr Cooper said, “It has been alleged that in making their decisions members have shown favouritism and there has also been a suggestion of corruption.

“I raise this matter solely because I am deeply offended by any such unfounded allegation which if left unchallenged could damage this council’s reputation and as councillors we would be failing in our duty.

“It is not a political committee, we have to operate in accordance with the planning laws and our local plan, it is essential that be understood by residents and that we retain their trust.

“It should also be made clear that any divergence from the local plan could set a precedent resulting in unintended unpleasant consequences.”

He wishes to uphold the reputation of the council and integrity of the councillors and planners.

Frequently, such as in cases like the Aldi rejection decision, members of the public are known to doubt the development control committee members.

“Planning decisions are a subject not often understood, we’re trying to do something for the benefit of the district.

“We lose appeals sometimes too, such as in the recent planning decision in Chestnut Park, Kingswood, which we did not approve of, but we can only do our best,” said Cllr Cooper.

John Marjoram, green councillor and deputy chair of the development control committee, backed Cllr Cooper’s calls for a statement from SDC.

“It’s regrettable however that Cllr Cooper has made such a statement, as the agreement amongst all members on the planning committee was to make a joint statement,” he said.

“The views of the 12 councillors was virtually unanimous, and not dependent of what political party they represented.

“Such a message would have made a stronger impact on the public. 

“It must be remembered that the development control committee is a quasi-legal body. It is not a political vehicle

“Any question whatsoever of money or bribery is a criminal offence which could lead to the dismissal of any councillor.

“My personal view is one of surprise that such a senior councillor, who I like, Chas Townley, should ever contemplate making such unfounded allegations.

“He has now apologised admitting that he had no evidence of influence or of bribery.

“If he really did have evidence or surmised of such transactions, then he should have gone directly to the legal monitoring officer of the council, rather than going to Twitter.

“The credibility of the committee has been challenged, so that is why we want a full statement from Stroud District Council.”