A HOPEFUL attempt by Middlewich Town Council to get a revote on the waste transfer facility application has been thwarted. 

Middlewich Town Council expressed its anger after the decision to approve the application was made in September, saying that the chairman of Cheshire East Council’s Strategic Planning Board, Cllr Harrold Davenport, ‘deliberately curtailed the meeting.’

Cllr Simon McGrory, member of both Middlewich Town Council and Cheshire East Council, was on the board that voted in September, and spoke after the meeting of how he was ashamed at how the committee was allegedly ‘rushed to a decision’.

Cllr McGrory said after the meeting: “I was ashamed and appalled to see how the committee was rushed to a decision, even though I said I had more questions to ask on a lot of issues. I am taking advice on my next move as this is a serious legal issue.”

The town council then wrote to Cheshire East Council’s chief executive Mike Suarez, asking that the application be sent back to the Strategic Planning Board, stating that the code of conduct and protocols were not followed.

The borough council’s head of legal services, Anita Bradley, replied to the town council saying the request had been declined. 

The letter read: “The matter was thoroughly debated before being moved and seconded. The chairman was content that members had nothing further to add before moving to the vote. 

“I am satisfied from the information I have that the meeting was not hurried and that there had been no breach of any relevant code, protocol or proper process.

“I appreciate that the town council was disappointed by the decision, however having discussed this matter with officers at the meeting, including the legal representative, I am content that the meeting was handled in a fair and proper manner. For that reason, the request to refer the matter back to Strategic Planning Board is declined.”

Middlewich Town Council member, Cllr Bill Walmsley, conceded that the decision could not now be overturned under national planning policy, but insisted he has ‘other irons in the fire.’

Cllr Walmsley said: “I was disappointed with the reply we received from Cheshire East Council. At this point, I have had to accept that proving maladministration at the planning meeting is not going to be possible. 

“I have tried various other avenues, including writing to the Secretary of State who has declined to get involved in a local planning matter. At this time, under national planning policy, the only person who can overturn the decision is the applicant - Ansa.

“I am far from admitting defeat. I have other irons in the fire that must remain confidential for the time being but it is a fact that the Ombudsman and the Secretary of State will not or cannot help us.”