A COUNCIL decision allowing a prominent local Conservative to build a new house on his land – despite planning officers recommending refusal – is under investigation by the Local Government Ombudsman.
The application to build a house at the rear of an existing property in Bilton Road was approved last June when borough councillors set aside officers’ concerns it contravened planning policy.
The application was made by Michael Pawsey, treasurer of Rugby Conservative Association, and brother of MP Mark Pawsey.
Officers said the proposed development could prejudice other potential developments on neighbouring land, was out of keeping with the character of the area, and could have a major impact on neighbouring gardens.
But the committee – which comprised seven Conservative, two Labour and two Liberal Democrat councillors – rejected the concerns of officers.
The Conservative councillors declared an interest as the applicant was known to them – but this did not preclude them from voting.
A spokesperson for the Ombudsman said they had a blanket policy of not commenting on investigations until they had been concluded.
