THE Chester-le-Street District Council is allowing planning applicants to speak at committee meetings for the first time.
Under the old system, people were able to go to the meetings at the Civic Centre, but could not speak and had to rely on written submissions.
Council leader Malcolm Pratt said: "The council is keen to act as openly as possible and we want to make sure members of the public have the right to make their views known so that we can take them into account when we make our decisions.
"We have changed the rules so people can speak at planning and licensing committee meetings."
A leaflet, Having your say in planning decisions, is available from the development control section of the planning services team at the Civic Centre in Newcastle Road. Alternatively you can call (0191) 3872145/6.
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