| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:MORRISONS DEVELOPMENT SITE - ONLINE PETITION | |
| Posted by: | Adam Beamish | |
| Date/Time: | 17/02/17 12:32:00 |
| Common misconception actually - 'pre-determination' no longer exists, so strictly speaking there is absolutely nothing to stop a Member either actively supporting or opposing a proposal in public and then still taking an active and voting role on the committee making the decision...as long as that Member can demonstrate that they came to the committee meeting with an open mind and voted based solely on what was presented/discussed at committee. But quite wisely Members usually keep their distance, as residents people would be up in arms if Councillors got closely involved in a campaign to oppose an application, and then at the relevant committee meeting voted in support of the scheme on the basis that regardless of their personal dislike for the proposals and the position of many residents they didn't feel there was a clear planning policy basis for refusal. Hence the difficult position Councillors often find themselves in when the public want them to come out fighting against a development. |