Resort rapped over plans bungle
A seaside council has been censured by the Local Government Ombudsman after bungling the planning process involving one of its own camping sites.
Two un-named people complained about the use of an "overflow" caravan and campsite in a Scarborough country park.
The borough council, the district planning authority, showed a "blatant disregard" for key points in the planning process, said the ombudsman.
Scarborough Council accepted the findings and has apologised.
Time and trouble
In her report Mrs Thomas said she found "maladministration causing injustice", but added the council has undertaken not to use the overflow campsite again until the planning position has been resolved.
Both complainants are to be paid £200 each for their "time and trouble".
Mrs Thomas added the case highlighted the lack of effective communication and co-ordination between council services, and even within one service - tourism and leisure.
Scarborough Council said the problems arose out of a high demand for the campsite during the peak season.
Councillor David Jeffels, cabinet member for tourism, said: "Tourism is highly valued as a key contributor to the vitality of the borough. First impressions are vital and it was against this background that the unfortunate breaches occurred.
"We accept that mistakes were made and the important thing now is that we learn from those and work with the Friends of Filey Country Park to restore their confidence in the work of the council."
Source: The BBC (17/02/2005)
council complaints CFO expelled what law freedom of expression what is maladministration access to information contact us council corruption nolan report disclaimer links privacy policy council maladministration misconduct news sitemap