Private probe over 'garbage' advice for homes appeal

LEGAL EXPERTS TOLD COUNCILLORS THAT 423-HOME SCHEME WAS NOT DEFENSIBLE

- By EDDIE BISKNELL Local democracy reporter

COUNCILLORS have backed a private independently-led inquiry into how “garbage” persuaded them to drop their defence at a Derbyshire housing appeal.

At a Derbyshire Dales District Council meeting this month, members voted to launch the inquiry into advice they received over the 423-home Matlock Wolds housing appeal from William Davis Homes.

A closed-doors meeting was held in January at which councillors say they were given “cast-iron” legal advice the Wolds development would not be defensible at appeal and to drop the authority's planned interventions.

The resulting vote, which has not been detailed, saw majority - but not unanimous - support in dropping the defence.

Following the resulting public inquiry, Government inspector Joanna Gilbert rejected the appeal from William Davis Homes, with campaigners the Wolds Action Group - which includes a number of councillors - providing the sole source of defence. Julie Atkin, of the action group, said: “I welcome any investigation into how the council came to capitulate on all of the officer's recommended reasons for refusal in the face of the appeal.”

Matlock residents said the council inquiry needed to be impartial in order to be credible and not “self-limiting”.