WESTMINSTER COUNCIL PLANNING PROCEDURES (No. 2)

Motion Text

That this House expresses its grave concern at the decision taken by Westminster Conservative councillors on the Policy and Resources Committee to reject the advice of Michael Barnes QC which stated that a prima facie case of impropriety had been made out in relation to the consideration of planning applications by Flairline Property Ltd, and that the applications should therefore be considered de novo on their merits; notes that the advice concluded that Councillor Andrew Greystoke's and David Week's conduct constituted a breach of the National Local Government Code of Conduct, and that it was at least arguable that the proceedings of the Committee were contrary to the principles of natural justice; further notes that the variance of the decisions made with the advice of officers, English Heritage and a former Secretary of State for the Environment meant the public could have a real and justifiable unease at the proceedings; further notes that the part Richard Loftus of Flairline Properties Ltd played in the development of Lady Porter's gerrymandering policies could increase this unease still further, particularly as Richard Loftus stood to increase the value of his property by at least ú100m through the redevelopment of this site; believes that the conduct of Westminster Conservative councillors is contrary to all of Lord Nolan's seven principles of public life; and calls on the Secretary of State for the Environment to call in the application without delay and take strong action over the despicable conduct of Westminster Conservatives.