To want information on this development from parish council?

[ruthboros]

We live in a small village all of which is in a conservation area. It’s very beautiful and a special place. In the latest parish mag the parish council published plans for two major developments of new homes which are proportionately very large. I do a bit of digging and find out the chairman of the parish council is a property developer who did an estate in the next village. So I email him asking about the development, who is behind it, what will it be etc and is he involved himself and if so what’s being done to avoid conflicts of interest on the council. He refused to reply and say he will only address these issues face to face with the whole parish council there. AIBU to feel a bit suspicious about why he won’t answer simple questions without holding a meeting?

Yes we are having a group of social housing built in our village. I think it's great. Hopefully there will be young buyers with families to lower the average age!!

Buyers/renters

OK Knitter - I was keeping it simple

It is our County Council which is the planning authority. We were a 5 district area which has now merged into one Council. So it clearly varies from area to area - but the decision making never lies with the Parish Council.

As others have said, the Parish Council will have very little sway over any development. I have seen many plans go through which have been suggested as 'refuse' by the Parish Council.

Any interest of individuals, whether on the Parish Council or Planning Committee of the deciding authority, will have to be declared and the person will leave the room whilst the application is discussed and voted on.

You are being unreasonable to expect the Chair of the Parish Council to discuss his personal business interests with you. It is enough that he declares an interest when plans are brought forward. I think you are forgetting that these people are volunteers who get no financial rewards for being on the Parish Council. Would you expect anyother person living in the area to discuss their business plans with you? He is quite right to say he will only discuss it with the full council present. FWIW Our Parish Councillors fill in a Disclosable Pecunary Interests form which delares any land in the parish which they own. Ours are displayed on our PC website for all to see.