MEMBERS of the public are to be allowed to speak on planning issues during Teesdale District Council committee meetings.

Yesterday, the council's development control committee voted unanimously in favour of giving planning applicants and objectors a chance to air their views.

In the past, the council has rejected plans to allow statements from private individuals on the grounds that it would prolong meetings, and that any professional experts speaking on behalf of either side would be unfair on the other party.

But yesterday the plan was welcomed by councillors, who described it as an important step forward in the authority's drive to be more open to the public.

Councillor Ken Coates said: "I welcome this move to let the public have a little bit of a say on planning matters.

"It will also give the public a chance to come here to the council, attend meetings and see how planning issues are dealt with.

"A lot of people don't realise how complex planning issues can be. But this will give them a chance to see how we come to the decisions that we do."

Applicants and objectors will each be given five minutes to put their case. If more than one person from either side wishes to speak, then the five minutes will be divided accordingly.

Requests to speak must be made to the council no later than 4pm two working days before relevant meetings.

Councillor Robin Simpson said: "I give a cautious welcome to public speaking, because I think it's going to be very difficult."