The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to grant outline planning permission. The law prevents us from investigating complaints from public bodies.
The complaint
Ms X, acting on behalf of a parish council represented by Mr Y, complained about the Council’s decision to grant outline planning permission for a housing development.
Ms X wants the Council to improve its democratic accountability, restore public confidence and ensure that planning decisions are taken through a fair process.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
We cannot investigate complaints from public bodies. (Local Government Act 1974, section 27(1)(a), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by Ms X and Mr Y.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
Final decision
We cannot investigate this complaint because the law prevents us from investigating complaints from public bodies.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman