In the aftermath Anglesey Council's Planning decision of 30th January 2009 to allow the Ty Mawr Llanfairpwll planning application questions need to be asked about the level of public participation and particularly speeding up allowing "the public" to "have their say" at planning committee hearings.
In Anglesey, the public perception, dare I say is that they are excluded from this important part of the planning process. In most UK Councils,the public have a right to speak at planning committees however Anglesey is somewhat of an exception. However moves are afoot to allow public speaking but this was first mooted in September 2007 and progress since has been slow with members visiting neighbouring authorities (Wrexham) to observe the process and democracy at work. So despite the fact that "one of the largest planning applications of our time" has been recently considered at Anglesey there was no public speaking. Might this not show that The Council are out of touch with the public mood?
Usually each member of the public is allocated a 3 minute slot that cannot be over-run as the microphone is switched off! Okay this is not perfect but allows people to have their say whatever the planning outcome!
The last thing an applicant needs is to have a local member of the application ward standing up and addressing fellow members with the public observing as the proposal is slated without any form of rebuttal. Allowing public speaking provides a fair opportunity to "give an opinion" about an application proposal whether for or against.
The views on Anglesey ratepayers on this topic would be appreciated!
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