A COUNCILLOR has criticised his authority for failing to listen to people in rural areas.
Councillor Roderick Burtt, ward councillor for Hurworth, told a meeting of Darlington Borough Council that its planning committee regularly ignored the views of parish councils.
He said: "Why is it that in rural areas parish councils are asked their opinion on planning matters and no notice is taken of their opinion?"
He said there had been numerous plans recently which were recommended for refusal by parish councils in the borough but passed by the planning committee.
Councillor David Lyonette, the authority's cabinet member for planning, said at the meeting on Thursday: "Great importance is put on the comments and recommendations of local parish councils."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article