Decision details

Decision details

Ombudsman Decisions

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

Two findings of fault by the Ombudsman in relation to Development Management Matters

Decisions:

The Group Head of Democracy and Governance introduced the item and explained that in both cases set out in the report the Ombudsman had found fault.  The Ombudsman decisions were published on their website.

 

Cabinet discussed the Ombudsman’s findings and expressed disappointment that the decisions went against the council.  It was noted that the council had been found to be right for much of the complaints made but that there had been a fault with procedure and timing.  It was important that the council followed the procedures as advertised.

 

Following a question from Councillor Bell, the Group Head of Democracy and Governance explained that it was a legal requirement for the council to notify residents who were directly abutting any site applying for planning permission.  The number of residents informed could depend on how big the development was and its impact on the wider area.  The applications which had received the complaints were minor developments and the minimum requirement had been to notify the abutting neighbours but it was unfortunate that it had not happened on this occasion.

 

The Mayor commented that the number of letters sent out to notify residents about a development was usually more than the minimum required.

 

The Managing Director outlined that lessons learnt were reviewed at team meetings and Strategic Leadership Team.  The Watford 2020 programme which the council was presently going through would result in better working practices that should reduce this type of error occurring.

 

RESOLVED

 

That Cabinet notes the Ombudsman’s decisions as set out in the report.

Report author: Carol Chen

Publication date: 17/07/2019

Date of decision: 04/07/2019

Decided at meeting: 04/07/2019 - Cabinet

Accompanying Documents:

 

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