Were dice unfairly loaded against developer - and planning officer - in controversial committee debate?

                                                     

Victory? The front page of today's Grimsby Telegraph 

RESIDENTS may not have the last laugh in a row over a proposed new housing development between Scartho and Waltham.

Following their determined and well-organised campaign, North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee refused the application for 64 new homes on land off Torbay Drive - despite the recommendation that it should be approved.

Snape Properties will await formal written confirmation of the refusal, but the firm may well lodge an appeal with the independent planning directorate - and it may well win.

Considering how many other housing projects - many much larger in scale - have been approved, despite community objections, the planning decision will have raised the eyebrows of many.

What made this decision-making process different?

One significant factor may have been the choice by two NELC cabinet members - council leader Cllr Philip Jackson and Cllr Ron Shepherd - to weigh in with the objectors.

Particularly outspoken was the latter who was quoted as saying: "I am appalled and disgusted that this application is recommended for approval."

In the Grimsby Telegraph report, Cllr Shepherd is further quoted as accusing the developer of "greed" and of filing "misinformation". 

The Grimsby News says: Regardless of the merits of this proposal, there is something disquieting about the way this application was determined, especially given the developer has a good reputation and the scheme seemed attractive. With local elections looming, was there an element of playing to the gallery by the two NELC cabinet members? Why the need by Cllr Shepherd to be so ungracious  to the planning officer, effectively undermining both her judgement and her professionalism? Why the need for him to be so gratuitously offensive to the developer. If the applicant appeals - and wins with costs awarded against the authority - it could be a very expensive and embarrassing outcome for NELC. A large chunk of humble pie will have to be eaten.