Object

Representation ID: 1182

Received: 10/03/2021

Respondent: Mr Mike Pope

I believe the reinstatement of Burley in Wharfedale to a Local Growth Area was achieved in a way that contravenes Council rules regarding ‘Conflict of Interest’. CEG Land Promotions were invited to meetings to discuss the Council’s Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA.) At the time CEG already owned (or had an option to buy) Green Belt Land in the village. The changes made to the document at the meeting and signed by CEG (9/03/15), resulted in B in W being reinstated as a Growth Area and housing numbers in the village increasing.
As purchasers of green belt land in B in W, CEG should not have been invited to the meeting as their sole intention was to ensure land they owned would be used for housing development. An investigation needs to be called to determine whether CEG declared an interest and whether their input affected decisions the council made.