Kirklees planning chief didn’t know about decision to make objectors’ details public

The move follows fears that the public may be deterred from objecting to contentious planning developments if their personal details are displayed, leading to concerns about potential intimidation.

The change to policy came into effect on December 14. The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands a decision was made by council staff without consulting councillors or the public.

At the first virtual full council meeting of 2021 Coun Steve Hall (Lab, Heckmondwike), who chairs the authority’s Strategic Planning Committee, said he had not been informed of the change.

He said after “chasing around” for information he had been told that the decision puts Kirklees Council on a similar footing to neighbouring authorities in the county, which operate a similar system.

He said: “There’s nothing untoward. We are not doing anything shady or to quieten people. They are still going to have the same access, to put their views forward and we are still going to listen to them.

“It’s just been brought into the line the same as the other authorities in West Yorkshire.”

The policy change means the postal address of anyone making representations on a planning application will be displayed.

However names, personal email addresses or telephone numbers will not.

Among those who have criticised the move was veteran Liberal Democrat councillor Andrew Pinnock (Cleckheaton), who sits on the Strategic Planning Committee.

He said: “There is a danger that legitimate concerns about applications do not get voiced because people are concerned about the consequences.”

At full council Conservatives Martyn Bolt (Mirfield) and Bernard McGuin (Almondbury) asked Coun Hall whether the change would make the democtratic process more open and fair – and if it should be re-visited.

Coun Bolt said “significant” decisions affecting the public should not be made “behind closed doors”.

He argued that if members of the public had their private details published – running the risk of being “harassed” by “unscrupulous developers” – then the same rule should apply to applicants who can submit an accommodation address.

Coun Liz Smaje (Con, Birstall and Birkenshaw) added: “Just because other West Yorkshire authorities do this doesn’t mean that we should.

“Until we can get this clarified could we suggest there is a suspension of putting people’s addresses on their comments, until we can find a system that works for Kirklees?”

Coun Hall said it was “only fair” that the rationale behind the policy change was sent out to all councillors “so they know exactly what is going on”.

He also pledged to investigate the best way forward.

He said: “I believe that people have a right to put their objections in and to be heard.

“I thought we’d got a good system the way that things are but I’ll pass comment as and when I see it up and running and see how it goes. It’s a learning curve for us all.”