Further to the note in my report to the recent Packington Post (January edition), which mentioned calling an extraordinary meeting of the Parish Council.
The Parish Council had originally planned to hold an extraordinary meeting to allow councillors to discuss applying for Rule 6 access to the inquiry and to make clear to the parish the cost implications of such action – as this could have cost thousands of pounds which would ultimately impact the council tax bill of every resident. Rule 6 access would make us a main party to the case and involve hiring legal representatives, finding witnesses and preparing a full defence packet.
A meeting has now been held with NWLDC Planning Department to discuss the forthcoming Planning Inspectorate Inquiry. At the meeting it became clear that the Parish Council applying for Rule 6 access and all it involves would be unnecessary. NWLDC have hired a top barrister, a solicitor and will bring in expert witnesses to corroborate all parts of their case.
As the Parish Council has already submitted a written report to the inquiry, it has been suggested that we should submit a formal statement reminding the inquiry of our earlier correspondence and fully backing the NWLDC case.
In light of the above, I feel that there is no need at this time for an extraordinary meeting as this will be discussed at the Parish Council meeting to be held on Tuesday 7th February.
All parishioners are welcome to Parish Council meetings and will have the opportunity to speak during Parishioners Question Time at the beginning of the meeting.
Best wishes
Chris Miles
Chairman – Packington Parish Council