Back to classroom for planners; Punishment for councillors in botched housing case.

Byline: LIAM MURPHY 

COUNCILLORS must go on a course outlining the basics of planning law after a developer was allowed to build a new estate too close to a man's home.

Wirral council's planning committee was officially criticised following an inquiry into the way an application was handled.

Beechwood resident Joe Gladman was left struggling to maintain his privacy because a new housing development was too close to his home, which then plummeted in price.

The properties should have been built at least 21 metres away, but were found to be only 18. The Local Gover nment Ombudsman found the council guilty of maladministration and ordered it pay compensation to Mr Gladman.

A chartered surveyor estimated the loss in value at pounds 20,000, but a district valuer's report done for the council put the fall at pounds 5,000, which has been paid to Mr Gladman.

Committee members must also attend a day-long refresher workshop in the basics of planning and development control.

Last night, Mr Gladman said he was disappointed at the difference between valuations, but added: "It was not about the money, it was the principle and the way I have been treated." The LGO investigator's report said there was "maladministration causing the complainant an injustice" and asked the council to settle with the complainant.

Mr Gladman was also paid pounds 250 for "the time and trouble" he spent pursuing his complaint, which took three years.

Initially, the council claimed the new properties were 36 metres from Mr Gladman's home - but when the distance was measured, it was discovered they wer e just 18 metres away.

Mr Gladman said he did not object to the original planning application, and even started taking pictures of the development, which he planned to give to people who bought the houses.

He said: "Then I thought they were building them a bit close, but when I contacted the council, they said there was nothing I could do." Current planning committee chairman David Elderton said: "This pre-dates the period when I became chairman.

"Officers should have identified the separation distances but said they were adequate, and it was on this basis the then-chairman ruled.

"I have always taken up the issue of separation distances because it affects people greatly and can be a major problem.

"It was the basis on which a bar in West Kirby was refused and also the medical centre in Heswall.

"One can only regret that this one went haywire, and I am confident we are far more aggressive now.

"I am all in favour in training for people."

CAPTION(S):

David Elderton