Summary: We will not investigate X’s complaint that the Council sold land near their home without proper consultation. This is because the complaint is made late and I see no good reason to consider it now.

The complaint

1. X complains that the Council failed to consult with them before selling nearby land. X says this has impacted their plans to extend their property.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We cannot investigate late complaints unless we decide there are good reasons. Late complaints are when someone takes more than 12 months to complain to us about something a council has done. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 26B and 34D, as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

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

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My assessment

5. I will not investigate X’s complaint because it is made late. X has known about the matter since 2023, and I see no good reason why they could not have complained to us sooner.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate X’s complaint because it is made late.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman