Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the sale of council land. This is because we do not consider Mrs X has suffered enough personal injustice to warrant our involvement.

The complaint

1. Mrs X complains the Council intends to sell some land that forms part of a wildlife site to developers.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We do not start or continue an investigation if we decide any injustice is not significant enough to justify our involvement (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered the information provided by the complainant and I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

4. The Council have stated they intend to sell some land which forms part of a wildlife site to a developer.
5. Mrs X complains the Council intends to sell the land and expresses concerns for the wildlife on the land.
6. I understand Mrs X is concerned about the impact the sale of the land may have on wildlife. However, the Council has confirmed the land will not be sold if the Local Planning Authority does not approve the relevant planning application. Therefore, any injustice to Mrs X and other concerned parties is premature. Mrs X may raise her concerns with the local planning authority as part of the planning process.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman