Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s actions in relation to a planning application. This is because, the matter has been considered by the Planning Inspectorate.

The complaint

1. Mr X complained about the advice provided by the Council and its handling of his planning application. He said the Council’s conflicting advice and misunderstanding of the issues have caused years of delays and have cost him thousands of pounds.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We cannot investigate a complaint if someone has appealed to a government minister. The Planning Inspector acts on behalf of a government minister. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(6)(b), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

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

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Final decision

5. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because he has appealed to the Planning Inspectorate about the matter.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman