Richard Jones

Flintshire Lib Dems have declined to nominate any members to sit as substitutes on the planning committee claiming their approach is “consistent and principled” after they voted against an amendment to allow deputies to be used.

Following a thorough review of the planning committee by consultants Pricewaterhouse Coopers, the issue was discussed at a recent Council meeting when the amendment – against the advice of the Council’s Constitutional Committee – was carried by a majority vote of councillors.

But the Lib Dems did not support the amendment, preferring to support the option to not have any substitutes in line with the recommendations and advice of Pricewaterhouse Coopers.

Lib Dem group Leader, Cllr Robin Baker, said: “:While we understood the arguments for using substitutes as a group we felt we could not support that option and our view was that no substitutes was a better alternative to protect the integrity of the planning process.

“We respect the decision was a democratic one but as it was not a position we agreed with we felt it would be hypocritical to then nominate three substitutes from our group.

“We are therefore taking a principled stance on this issue that is consistent with the group’s position throughout this debate as we feel there is ample opportunity for Ward councillors to make representation on behalf of local residents without putting themselves in jeopardy of fettering their discretion on planning matters.”
ENDS