I would like to echo the calls of Greenham Parish Council for a full review of delegated powers regarding planning applications (http://newburytoday.co.uk/News/Article.aspx?articleID=14562). Not only is there a lack of consistency between decisions made by officers at West Berkshire, but the current system is open to abuse of power by officers and allegations of corruption. If elected as a District Councillor next year, one of my first priorities will be to call for a full review of planning decisions made since the new arrangements were introduced in 2004. This is a major issue for me, with the allocation of affordable housing at the Racecourse already diluted by 5% to 30% and the LDF obligation of a minimum percentage commitment with regards to this development likely to be removed very shortly, our elected members are sitting back drinking subsidised drinks whilst unelected officers make all of the key decisions.

It's time for elected members to stand up and be counted. They get paid an allowance to represent those who vote for them. If they can't be bothered to put the leg work in, RESIGN and let someone else take your position.

"Man up"?

Isn't that a bit sexist given many of them are women?

Quoted from richard.garvie

.... the current system is open to abuse of power by officers and allegations of corruption.
...... our elected members are sitting back drinking subsidised drinks whilst unelected officers make all of the key decisions.
.......If they can't be bothered to put the leg work in, RESIGN and let someone else take your position.

Slightly off key remarks.
My view is that if the professionals are making the decisions then that's probably how it should be. The councillors have no expertise, so the chances of a bum decision is more likely if they, the elected members made them all. Would they have the time to review or decide all applications. It would become a full time job and the pay in that event, is not so good.
Should you be elected, how many hours a week do you think would be a fair allocation of your time.

I think that the officers should do what they are there to do... ADVISE!!!

And to respond to your other points, I think a council that better represents ALL SECTONS of the community would enhance the advice of the officers. At least then decisions can be taken based on local opinion. But that's right, elected members rarely talk to the people that elected them. As for a fair allocation of time, if I was on the planning committee I would expect to read up on the officers report over a couple of evenings before the planning meeting and make my decisions based on the advise from the officers. If there were any applications in my ward, I would do some research on each case and maybe speak to neighbours of the proposed site etc. If you don't want to be on the planning committee because you don't have time, don't do it!!!

The three bits of my initial post you highlighted:

"the current system is open to abuse of power by officers and allegations of corruption. "

I'm not saying there has been corruption, but when I talk to everyday folk in the street, they talk of "brown envelopes" and the like. Whether or not it is true, the fact that the electorate think that is damning of the current administration. My own view is that I would like a review of all decisions, but mainly the Saddleworth allocation (which was rated the least suitable option out of all of them apparently), the issue of affordable housing and dilution of said allocation at Newbury Racecourse and then the Parkway decision and why there is no provision of affordable housing.

"our elected members are sitting back drinking subsidised drinks whilst unelected officers make all of the key decisions."

So you are saying that alcohol is not subsidised in the bar?

"If they can't be bothered to put the leg work in, RESIGN and let someone else take your position."

Exactly what I said. If they can't be bothered to pull their finger out, let somebody else do it. You can meet up to discuss cycling or whatever else floats your boat somewhere else.

Wholesale changes are needed at West Berks, starting with the elected members. If your councillor does not work hard for you, don't elect them this time round.

Quoted from user23.3

"Man up"?

Isn't that a bit sexist given many of them are women?

I do apologise. However, the term "man up" is used by women and men alike and is often directed regardless of sex. Maybe I should have said "get a grip" / "pull their finger out"/ "sort themselves out"... all has the same meaning to me!!!

Quoted from richard.garvie

"our elected members are sitting back drinking subsidised drinks whilst unelected officers make all of the key decisions."

So you are saying that alcohol is not subsidised in the bar?

Which bar are you talking about?

You tell me User23, you work there.

Quoted from richard.garvie

My own view is that I would like a review of all decisions, but mainly the Saddleworth allocation (which was rated the least suitable option out of all of them apparently),

Saddleworth???

Do you mean Sandleford?

Yes, my mistake!!! Been a long weekend!!!

Quoted from richard.garvie

You tell me User23, you work there.

No, I asked you the question, which bar are you talking about?

Quoted from richard.garvie

Yes, my mistake!!! Been a long weekend!!!

But Sandleford was so obviously the best of the locations looked at for development.  

If  (and it's a big if) you accept that there has to be a large 2000 home new development somewhere around Newbury/Thatcham then Sandleford is the best place to put it.

Quoted from richard.garvie

I think that the officers should do what they are there to do... ADVISE!!!

Yeah, right.

Meanwhile, back in the real world: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIto5mwDLxo&feature=fvw

A bit too late for tears over Greenham.

Richard, might it be easier and cheaper for us all if you just moved somewhere else where these things don't get you all hot under the collar? East Ilsley's nice this time of year, I hear!

Hold on a second, all I'm saying is that I too would call for a full and independent review. What have people got to hide??? Public perception of planning decisions in West Berks is that there is a culture of corruption and misconduct. Unless there is an enquiry, how do you suppose that the current administration regains local confidence???

What gets me hot under the collar is elected members turning a blind eye as affordable housing allocations are reduced or removed altogether. A lack of plan for the survival of the Kennet Centre as a viable business, the closure of local pubs at the expense of national chains that are heavy discounters and encourage binge drinking. It's about time elected members took the initiative and gave some leadership to the officers at West Berks, instead of allowing themselves to be led down the garden path.

Quoted from richard.garvie

Hold on a second, all I'm saying is that I too would call for a full and independent review. What have people got to hide??? Public perception of planning decisions in West Berks is that there is a culture of corruption and misconduct. Unless there is an enquiry, how do you suppose that the current administration regains local confidence???

What gets me hot under the collar is elected members turning a blind eye as affordable housing allocations are reduced or removed altogether. A lack of plan for the survival of the Kennet Centre as a viable business, the closure of local pubs at the expense of national chains that are heavy discounters and encourage binge drinking. It's about time elected members took the initiative and gave some leadership to the officers at West Berks, instead of allowing themselves to be led down the garden path.

Hi Richard. Please could you answer the question about which bar you were talking about?