Following the refusal of the planning application off Woodlands Lane, Bedworth, the Council's Planning Applications Committee has made the decision to withdraw from defending the appeal.
It has become evident that the previous rejection of the planning application, citing reasons such as prematurity, sustainability, and biodiversity, was unwise and based on inadequate evidence and judgement.
Given the foundation of these rejections, alongside the subsequent legal and financial considerations, pursuing this appeal would likely lead to significant costs to the Council, estimated at £500,000.
It is believed that it is in the best interest of the public purse to avoid these unnecessary expenses, thereby safeguarding the financial resources of our community.
The decision, made at a Planning Applications Committee meeting on Wednesday, 30 July, is driven by a commitment to fiscal responsibility and sound judgement, ensuring that taxpayer money is not squandered on indefensible positions.
We must proceed with decisions that are legally sound and supported by substantial evidence, prioritising the best interests of our community.
Despite the authority withdrawing from defending the appeal, the appeal hearing will still go ahead as is usual practice.
Cllr Rob Roze, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Enforcement, said:
“I am pleased with the outcome of this decision. I want to make sure that the work within the Planning Application Committee always reflects the best interests of our borough and is in line with the legislation.
“Supporting our Planning Application Committees' independence and work quality is crucial to achieving that.”
We appreciate everyone's patience while Committee members were confidentially briefed on the Council’s position.
Confidentiality was maintained to give committee members a full legal opinion briefing without the risk of compromising the Council’s legal and financial interests by releasing information available to all organisations and involved bodies.