Overview
The complaint was in connection with a planning application made in 2002. This was granted in 2005. The complainant (Mrs C) was unhappy with the delay, Aberdeenshire Council (the Council)'s response to her complaints and she felt the application had been dealt with less favourably than a subsequent application by new owners of part of the land.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) that planning permission was only granted in 2005 for an application made in 2002 (upheld); and
- (b) the Council's handling of the complaint about this (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Council:
- (i) clarify to all planning staff that it is not appropriate to authorise planning permission on any other grounds than that of planning merits;
- (ii) audit their policy and procedures for maintaining planning records and implement any changes they identify as necessary as a result of this; and
- (iii) apologise to Mrs C for their initial response to her complaint and confirm with staff their procedures for ensuring complaints are swiftly dealt with and progressed.
The Council have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.