Issue - meetings

The Committee received and noted the appeals list within the agenda. Members then discussed concerns about the Appeals system and in particular appellants making use of information provided by Officers to Members for explanation of refusal. Members were reminded that they needed to be careful with what they said in committee meetings as well as being mindful of other statements they have made in public as these comments could be used in support of subsequent appeals, especially now that meetings are recorded and easily available. It was noted that where inspectors had allowed an appeal, if the original reasons for refusal were reasonable then costs would not be awarded to the appellant.