§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what restrictions are placed on local councillors in respect of(a) receiving representations from residents in respect of planning applications when they are (i) a member of the planning committee and (ii) any other councillor and (b) the ability of these councillors then to speak in debate on such representations. [173082]
§ Keith HillThere are no restrictions in land use planning legislation on councillors or members of planning committees receiving representations from residents on planning applications. However, where any councillor has a personal 'and' prejudicial interest in any issue to be discussed by a local authority (whether or not in a planning committee), he or she should consider whether the provisions in the relevant authority's Code of Conduct affect their ability to speak in debate on such representations and require them to withdraw from that committee. In making their decision, they may wish to take the advice of their authorities' monitoring officers or the Standards Board for England. In the case of planning committees, they may also wish to consider the Local Government Association's Guidance Note to local planning authorities on preparing Codes of Conduct for councillors and officers specifically involved in planning matters, "Probity in Planning (Update): the role of councillors and officers". This Guidance Note recognises the importance of expressing local concerns in the planning system, while not calling into question the impartiality and integrity of724W councillors, and ensuring that planning applications are seen to be processed and determined in an open and fair manner.