Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Is this a cause for worry?
In an exchange of emails a NWDC councillor asked the question "What happens about the Chairmans briefing held two days before the Development Control (DC) meeting for reps from different political parties?"

Call me paranoid but I just had to ask the councillor the question "As the planning process is quasi judicial and no political whip should be applied, can someone please explain to me why NWDC has a Chairman's briefing for reps from different political parties?"

The reply came back "It is not a political briefing, but a meeting with officers and one member from each party to go through the planning applications coming before the DC to explain any problems and queries. The member can then brief other members of the DC committee on the outcome and issues."

I have always campaigned for open government and this type of 'closed' briefing doesn't, in my opinion, give confidence to members of the public. I presume that the people of north Wiltshire don't find this process unsettling but would seek others views on this topic.

Please feel free to respond using the 'Contact me' button on the tool bar at the top of this page.

If I am elected to the new council I will certainly lobby to ensure that this type of briefing will not occur at WC.