Ms K complained about the Council’s handling of and decision to approve a neighbour’s planning application, and specifically whether there was maladministration in respect of:
1. its communication with her about the application
2. its management and consideration of the objections received to the application
3. its consideration of relevant planning policies, supplementary guidance documents and other material planning considerations
4. its consideration of the impact of the development on her amenity, including the loss of light.
The Ombudsman’s investigation found that the Council’s actions were appropriate in relation to its consideration of objections, national/local guidance and the impact of the development on Ms K’s amenity. Therefore, complaints 2-4 were not upheld.
In relation to complaint 1, the Ombudsman found that there was no evidence to suggest that the Council’s communication with Ms K put her at a significant disadvantage in any way. This complaint was also not upheld.