A LOCAL authority is allowing planning applicants to speak at council meetings for the first time.
Chester-le-Street District Council decided that people with an interest in planning applications should have the right to speak at meetings in the Civic Centre.
Under the old system, people could attend meetings, but rather than being allowed to speak, they 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 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."
People will be invited to speak at meetings when the council has the power to decide an application.
A leaflet, Having Your Say in Planning Decisions, is available from the development control section at the Civic Centre, Newcastle Road, or by calling 0191-387 2145/6.
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