Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of planning applications. This is because the complaint has been made by a parish council, which is a public body. We cannot investigate complaints by public bodies.

The complaint

1. The complainant, who I will refer to as Mr B, complains on behalf of a parish council about the Council’s handling of two planning applications. Mr B considers the Council has failed residents of the village and ignored the objections he made on their behalf. Mr B would like the Council to ensure officers and members of the planning committee do not make these errors in future.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
3. We cannot investigate complaints from public bodies. (Local Government Act 1974, section 27(1)(a), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

4. I considered information provided by Mr B.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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Final decision

6. We cannot investigate Mr B’s complaint because he is complaining on behalf of a parish council, which is a public body. We cannot investigate complaints made by public bodies.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman