Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about a planning enforcement matter because it has been made by a parish council. We cannot investigate complaints made by public bodies such as parish councils.

The complaint

1. Ms B complains on behalf of a parish council about the Council’s handling of a planning enforcement matter which is causing a noise nuisance for residents.

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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 has complained on behalf of a parish council. We cannot investigate complaints from public bodies such as town and parish councils. This means we cannot investigate this complaint.

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Final decision

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

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman