Overview
In October 2004 a planning application was submitted to Dundee City Council (the Council) by the agent of the applicant. The applicant sought planning permission to build a detached house in the side garden of an existing house on a residential street. Two neighbours (Mrs C and Mrs A, and together as the complainants), along with others, objected to the planning application. The complainants subsequently raised concerns about the planning report relating to the proposed development and the role of the Council in facilitating discussions between themselves and the applicant.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) a flawed report relating to the proposed development was submitted to the Development Quality Committee (not upheld); and
- (b) the Council failed to facilitate discussion between the applicant and neighbours (not upheld).
Redress and recommendation
The Ombudsman recommends that the Council develops a written protocol that sets out the Council position and guides the actions of officials following deferral of a planning application to allow discussion between the parties involved.