Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of a planning application. This is because the complaint is made by a parish council. We cannot investigate complaints made by public bodies, such as parish councils.

The complaint

1. The complainant, who I will refer to as Ms B, complains on behalf of a parish council about the Council’s handling of a planning application. Ms B says the Council did not give sufficient consideration to objections from local residents and the parish council. Ms B would like the Council to reconsider its decision to grant planning permission.

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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 Ms B.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

6. Ms B complains on behalf of a parish council. We cannot investigate complaints made by public bodies such as parish councils. This means we cannot investigate Ms B’s complaint and have no discretion to do so.

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Final decision

7. We cannot investigate this complaint because it is made by a public body.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman