Local Government
Council apologises to complainant over handling of planning application
March 29, 2021We reminded Mid and East Antrim Borough Council of its record keeping responsibilities following our investigation of a complaint brought by an MLA. We also asked it to consider developing a formal policy around the role of public representatives in the planning process.
Investigation into Council’s enforcement action
January 25, 2021We investigated a complaint about the way Belfast City Council dealt with claims of a breach of planning control.
Investigation into the handling of a planning application by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
July 20, 2020Newry, Mourne and Down District Council failed to provide an applicant with the reasons why its Planning Committee deferred a decision on his planning application. An Ombudsman’s report was also critical of excessive delays when responding to the applicant’s concerns.
Recommendations made to Council after failures found in handling of planning case
January 8, 2020The Ombudsman has criticised aspects of the way Mid & East Antrim Borough Council handled a planning application for an update of existing sports facilities at St Patrick’s College, Ballymena.
Report SummaryInvestigation finds planning application was not properly considered
October 3, 2019The Ombudsman has found that an application to build a residential nursing home in County Down was, in part, incorrectly assessed by planners.
Report SummaryOmbudsman critical of Council’s record-keeping during planning case
October 3, 2019The Ombudsman has upheld a complaint about the way planning officials within Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council dealt with changes to a planning application for a new dwelling.
Report SummaryCouncil dealt appropriately with planning application – Ombudsman
February 26, 2019An investigation by the Public Services Ombudsman has found that Mid & East Antrim Borough Council dealt properly with a planning application for a house extension, despite objections from the applicant’s neighbours.
Report SummaryInvestigation of a complaint against Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
January 30, 2019A man’s complaint about how his planning application was dealt with has been partially upheld by the Public Services Ombudsman.
Report SummaryApplication for wind turbine ‘not processed in appropriate manner’ by Council
April 30, 2018The Ombudsman has found that a Council provided a planning applicant with misleading and inaccurate information about his application, and has made a series of recommendations for remedy.
Complainant experienced injustice as a result of Council’s actions
April 10, 2018A local Council has been asked by the Ombudsman to apologise to a complainant after an investigation found they failed to follow their own Financial Regulations during a process to appoint a company for a public event.