I refer to the recent article Errors not spotted despite 34 visits to Charminster flats (Daily Echo, July 29) and would like to clarify and correct a number of issues.
My planning officers did not make 34 visits as a large number were by building control inspectors to check that the construction of the flats meets building regulations.
Visits by my officers, following complaints and during their routine inspections, found a number of planning discrepancies and the developer was invited to submit an amended application for retrospective planning permission.
This is normal practice, and indeed the refuse arrangements now agreed are not unusual in that I understand the refuse section have a range of bin sizes available for different situations.
Before determining the application the planning board sought guidance from the council’s senior lawyer. The guidance made it clear to members that, contrary to the quote you published from the ward councillor, they must ignore the previous history of the site and the fact that the amendments/additions are already in place and deal with the application as it is on its own merits.
Bob Johnson, planning control manager, Bournemouth council
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