The spotlight continues to shine on planning in Poole with 20 of the 59 complaints to the Ombudsman last year concerning the contentious issue.

Included was a finding of maladministration – and the previous year saw 48 complaints made by residents about the Borough of Poole, of which 18 related to planning.

This comes shortly after months of rumours and allegations concerning planning caused the council to call in top civil servant Sir Michael Pitt to carry out an independent review.

Reporting in February, he found no evidence of unlawful activity in Poole planning, but residents continue to raise concerns.

“Feedback from external bodies is always taken very seriously and will continue to shape the future of our services,” said Stephen Thorne, head of planning and regeneration services.

“The Ombudsman’s report covers a similar period to that of Sir Michael Pitt’s review. In line with Sir Michael’s recommendations, we are carrying out a thorough review of our services and how we can communicate more effectively with the community.

“The action we have taken as a result of both reviews will be presented to the council efficiency and effectiveness overview and scrutiny committee in September.”

The annual catalogue of complaints to the Local Government Ombudsman for the year ending March 2009, included the injustice to resident Ian Walker over the planning application in Excelsior Avenue.

He was paid £750 by the council for his “justified uncertainty and outrage and for his time and trouble” over the application.

The council also paid out £1,600 compensation to residents for planning complaints, which made up four out of the six local settlements.

Ombudsman Jerry White also criticised the council’s slow response to complaints, particularly in planning and building control and adult care.

The remaining complaints covered a wide category and of 50 decided, no maladministration was found in 21, 11 were not further investigated and 11 were outside the jurisdiction.