Members of Staffordshire County Council voiced significant concerns on mandatory changes to the national planning rules from October 31.
Councillors were advised at a meeting of Full Council, that despite their objections, they were legally required to accept the changes as part of the council’s constitution as these were compulsory.
Martin Murray, Leader of the Council, said:
The strength of feeling on this matter is clear as we feel this is stifling democracy and limiting our ability to fully represent our communities.
However. our hands on this are tied and we have no option than to accept it if we are to remain lawful.”
Martin told members he would be raising the matter with both Angela Rayner, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and local MPs.
County councillors present voted by a majority to approve the amendment of its constitution to reflect the changes to planning laws.
Martin's letter to Secretary of State:
