A MEMBER of Bolton Council’s planning committee has set out how he believes the forthcoming independent inquiry should proceed.

Liberal Democrat leader Roger Hayes has welcomed the decision by the ruling Labour group to go ahead with the inquiry into planning practices in the borough, which was suggested in a motion by Conservative, Cllr Norman Critchley earlier this month.

The motion stated that some residents had voiced concerns about the decision-making practices of the council’s planning committee and saw other opposition members register similar concerns.

Labour strongly refuted the accusations, but said it would welcome the inquiry as it had nothing to hide.

Plans are being put in place about how and when the inquiry will take place — the most likely outcome is that a neighbouring authority is asked to conduct the process.

Cllr Hayes, who sits on the committee, has now written to acting chief executive Margaret Asquith to suggest some aspects the inquiry should investigate.

In his letter, he stated: “The inquiry should be fully independent and conducted by a person with a sound knowledge of planning — he or she should not be a politician.

“Members of the public and councillors should be able to submit any evidence they consider relevant and the full report should be made public.”

The Smithills councillor also detailed a list of terms of reference that he believes should be considered, including whether political groups meet before planning meetings to consider applications, whether there is any evidence of ‘block voting’ along political lines and if there is any evidence that applications from 'particular sections of the community' have received favourable treatment in return for 'likely political advantage'.

He added: “Other terms of reference should examine whether there is evidence of an unhealthily close relationship between certain developers/applicants and the council, councillors or officers and whether there is relevant specialist advice from some officers either not sought, or is ignored, if it is politically inconvenient.”

Cllr Hayes believes that current or recently serving officers should be able to give evidence anonymously if they wish and thinks the inquiry should consider if there is any evidence that said officers have had 'political pressure' put on them to influence their decisions.

He added: "Many members of the public express concerns about planning in Bolton. Some of these concerns are shared by council members.

"I believe that some of the concerns may stem from a lack of understanding of the process — others may have more substance. However, I believe it is important that all concerns are addressed."

Senior Labour figure and committee member Cllr Nick Peel has previously challenged those making 'direct or implied accusations' to come up with any evidence at the forthcoming inquiry, adding that his group believed the planning process worked well.