Listen to our views – and act on them

At an open meeting held in Warndon, Worcester City Council's head of urban development John Wrightson and planning manager Paul O'Connor were grilled by residents and councillors.

The aim of the meeting was for Warndon residents to find out more about the planning process.

But tensions rose when the audience was told by Mr O'Connor: "It does not matter how many objections there are, the question is, does it raise material planning considerations which are not in accordance with criteria?"

To this, parish councillor Ted Holloway said: "Are they not aware that people matter and people want to be heard?"

The comments came after two major planning applications in Warndon, Mabs Orchard and Worcester Woods Business Park, which the parish council had recommended be refused, were passed by the city council.

Mr Wrightson explained the planning system for applications was a national one, laid down by a series of legislations.

Guidance notes on these legislations are then given to local planning officers.

He said there were opportunities for people to make their views known, and the planning authority must show it has looked at these.

"Supplying a view is not a planning consideration, it is not a reason that the planning system can take into account," he said.

Chairman of Warndon parish council Ray Morris said he felt there was a lack of communication between planning officers and the parish council.

"One of the things we would like is some feedback before you make the decision," Mr Morris said.

In response to this Mr Wrightson recommended residents and councillors ask planning officers to let them know when decisions were being made when they logged their comments.

"If you specifically request that we will endeavour to make sure you get it," he said.

"We do not automatically write to everybody who has written saying it is coming to committee, it is something we may well review in the future."