PRESS RELEASE
Issued by:
Councillor Jean Quinn
Date of Issue: 13 February 2006
Contact phone number:
0151 625 9547
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PRESS RELEASE |
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'COMING TO YOU LIVE' IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME Liberal Democrat proposals to ‘webcast' Planning Commitees and make the whole planning process more open to the public will be debated in Wirral's Council Chamber tonight. Councillor Jean Quinn , Greasby Franky Irby ward, who is seconding the Liberal Democrat proposals says, “Planning committess often run for hours. It's better that people are able to follow them on a webcast sitting at home rather than spending a whole evening in a hot airless Town Hall with no catering facilities.” “The scheme already operates in many other areas and could be funded through the Government's Planning Delivery Grant.” Liberal Democrats also want more public involvement before planning applications come to committee. “The public should be involved from the very beginning, at the stage when the council is developing its planning policies. “We should have a Planning Officer at every Area Forum. This would allow for regular presentations and give the public the opportunity to ask questions. “The feedback could then inform developers' plans. At present developers putting in big planning applications are asked - but not forced - to consult the local community. “Many Councillors have had the experience of residents feeling that their objections are not taken seriously. This isn't surprising. The Council doesn't acknowledge objection letters and committee reports aren't written in plain English. We need better communication with the public. We don't advertise planning applications widely enough and consult far enough. “Our proposals would also support two Council key priorities: improving customer service; and user involvement and community engagement. “The public have the right to better services and, in the case of planning, they have the right to more influence over decisions which directly affect their lives.” |