AN inquiry is to be launched following a blunder by planning officers that cost a council £15,000 earlier this year.

The authority's review will investigate the balance of power between members and officers at Wear Valley's civic centre.

It will look at the powers that are delegated to officers, enabling them to make decisions without referring issues to members through reports to committee meetings.

Councillors heard that a mistake by planning officers would not have happened if members had been asked for their views.

The officers, who no longer work for the council, had approved an application for a house extension under delegated powers without referring it to the development control committee.

During the process, the original design for a sloping roof was changed to a flat roof with a balcony overlooking Derek Jervis's back garden in Clover Drive, Etherley Dene.

But officers did not consult Mr Jervis or other neighbours on the revised plans and approved the new design without asking for a new application. Mr Jervis was awarded £15,000 for money he claimed he lost when he sold his home.

A council meeting heard that 96 per cent of planning submissions were handled under delegated powers and this speeded up the application process. New guidelines for dealing with amended applications have been introduced for planning officers.

LibDem leader Councillor Chris Foote Wood asked for a comprehensive review covering all departments. He said: "There is a great deal of concern among our members about the general operation of delegated powers.

"This was the worst example of maladministration I have known at this council. It is us, the members, who are ultimately responsible for every action the council takes."

The review will be carried out before the council's annual meeting next year.

Councillor Charlie Kay said: "The nature of local government is fluid and is becoming more complex. We cannot function without delegated powers. It should be something that local authorities are looking at all the time."