Frinton: Leading councillor slams fantasy planning rules (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Frinton: Leading councillor slams fantasy planning rules

9:05am Thursday 6th March 2008

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RULES about retrospective planning applications are in an "Alice in Wonderland world", according to a leading councillor.

Frinton and Walton Town Council was considering a blueprint for a swimming pool and plant room which has already been built in Second Avenue, Frinton.

David Lines, town councillor and district council leader, said members should recommend refusal to set a precedent.

He said: "Why are we approving something that has already been built?

"As a precedent we shouldn't give permission to any retrospective application.

"It is an illegal development - we are living in an Alice in Wonderland world."

Robert Bucke said it was the council's remit to make a recommendation on the mertits of the application and not the fact it is retrospective.

A vote to recommend refusal was tied at five-five.

It was approved when Mayor Terry Allen used his casting vote after the vote for approval was also tied.

The final decision will be made by Tendring Council.

Mr Lines voted against every retrospective planning application for the rest of the meeting as a matter of principle.

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