Investigation Report 200601465

  • Report no:
    200601465
  • Date:
    November 2007
  • Body:
    East Dunbartonshire Council
  • Sector:
    Local Government

Overview

Mr C had objected to a planning application relating to a neighbour's extension.  This was granted and building work began.  Mr C became concerned that the extension did not comply with the planning consent grant, was of poor standard and he objected to an application for a variation of the planning consent submitted by his neighbour.  Mr C was also unhappy that he did not receive a final response to his complaints from the Council.

Specific complaints and conclusions

The complaints which have been investigated are that the Council:

  • (a) failed to deal correctly with a planning application and a subsequent application for variation of the application (not upheld);
  • (b) did not respond appropriately to concerns raised during the building process (not upheld); and
  • (c) did not respond in full to Mr C's formal complaint (upheld).

Redress and recommendations

The Ombudsman recommends that the Council:

  • (i) enforce to all staff dealing with the public, in relation to planning and building regulation matters, the importance to communicate with them as clearly and accurately as possible;
  • (ii) apologise to Mr C for their delay in responding to him and his MSP;
  • (iii) review their complaints procedure to ensure that they meet their own standards; and
  • (iv) review their procedures for responding to the Ombudsman's office to ensure that they do so without undue delay.

The Council have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.

Updated: December 11, 2018