A LOCAL authority is set to bring in new rules for councillors in relation to planning issues after complaints about the conduct of the chair of its planning committee.

Blackburn with Darwen Council received two complaints about Darwen West ward's Cllr Dave Smith over his handling of a controversial planning application in his ward.

An investigation cleared him of any breach of the authority's Code of Conduct for councillors but has recommended the introduction of new rules and a 'Planning Protocol for Members'.

An update to Blackburn with Darwen Council's Standards Committee meeting on Wednesday by monitoring officer Asad Laher says: "Two complaints were received related to two planning applications relating to the same property and concerned the chair of the planning and highways committee who had become involved with the applicant and the objectors as the property was in his ward.

"The complainants were also objectors to these planning applications and made a number of allegations against the chair for breach of the code, which included :

"* contacting the planning officer whilst the first application was being considered under the scheme of delegation;

"* not declaring an interest and following the scheme of delegation when considering whether the first planning application should be referred to the committee for determination; and

"* alleged comments made in public at a non-council meeting and alleged posting of comments in a local newspaper.

"After a detailed investigation none of the allegations were substantiated and no breach of the code has been found.

"However, having carefully considered the investigation report has identified a number of learning points and made the following recommendations to assist all members, particularly those serving on the planning and highways committee:"

The include the council considering adopting a new Planning Protocol for Members.

Mr Laher's report also recommended a review of the the internal process for consideration by the chair of planning applications which would usually be determined under officer delegations for referral to the committee.

He says: "There needs to be clear records kept of meetings/consultations, including any declaration of interests by the chair/vice-chair."

On councillor request for updates on planning applications, Mr Laher says: "It is expected that councillors would be interested in planning applications in their ward, and would contact the planning department for information.

"However, they should ensure this cannot be perceived as an attempt to seek to influence or question the planning officer’s judgement on the particular applications.

"To ensure this does not happen the planning department should also keep a record of enquires made by councillors on specific applications and the responses provided by officers."

Mr Laher suggests that councillors to make any enquires by email, and responses to be provided by email to provide transparency and protect planning officers and councillors against allegations of bias.

On members of the Planning and Highways Committee's involvement with applicants and objectors, he recommends that advice and training should be provided to them,

Cllr Smith declined to comment on the report.