No investigation into Tameside councillors after planning reversal

COUNCILLORS will not be investigated over a controversial planning application that was approved, then rejected months later.

However, they have been reminded about properly declaring interests.

Proposals to construct an outbuilding at Meadow Bank Farm, on Howarth Farm Road in the Littlemoss area of Droylsden, were initially given the go ahead in May, despite officers recommending it be turned down,

But on Wednesday, September 11, they were brought back before Tameside Council’s Speaker’s Panel (Planning) group and refused by five votes to two.

Chair of the panel, Cllr Vincent Ricci, insisted he did nothing wrong despite admitting he knew the applicant, Geoffrey Howarth.

And after a Freedom of Information request by The Correspondent, Tameside Council has revealed there will be no investigation.

A spokesperson said: “Matters are only referred to the Standards Committee after an investigation has taken place.

“It is for the Monitoring Officer to judge in any circumstances whether an investigation would be proportionate and appropriate.

“It was not judged to be so in these circumstances.”

However, they did confirm panel members have been reminded of properly declaring interests when one arises concerning a planning application.

They added: “I can confirm that Planning training was provided by the Head of Planning and the Solicitor to the Speaker’s Panel (Planning) on May 15, 2024, which included the Members Planning Code of Conduct.”

Cllr Vincent Ricci was adamant legitimate planning reasons, rather than perceived connections with the Labour Party as a man of the same name as applicant Geoffrey Howarth proposed Cllr Laura Boyle to stand in this year’s local election, resulted in its resubmission.

He admitted he knows Mr Howarth after sitting on the board of New Charter Building Company together – but told The Correspondent he voted against it.

Cllr Vincent Ricci is chair of the planning committee

Cllr Ricci, who saw vice-chair Cllr David Mills and panel member Cllr Susan Quinn leave the later meeting after declaring interests, said: “I know Geoffrey. He was on New Charter Building Company when I was on.

“But I wouldn’t have thought that was why it was brought back as I had no discussions with him whatsoever.

“The only time I found out it was on was when I got the agenda. I haven’t discussed it with anyone.”