The two most senior Swindon Borough Council Conservatives have made accusations against Labour council leader Cllr Jim Robbins relating to the planning committee meeting at which the future of The Oasis Leisure Centre was discussed.
Cllr Robbins has dismissed the claims as nonsense and a political stunt, and said he would refer himself to the Standards Committee and clear his name.
Conservative Group Leader Cllr Gary Sumner and his deputy, Cllr Dale Heenan, wrote to council Chief Executive Sam Mowbray and Chief Legal Officer Lisa Hall ahead of Wednesday's planning meeting.
The full text of the letter was subsequently leaked to the Save Oasis Swindon campaign group, which put it on their social media.
The letter says: "It has been brought to our attention from more than one source that Cllr Robbins, leader of the Labour Group, has been pressuring members of the Planning Committee to vote for approval ahead of tonight's Planning Committee and to reveal to him how they intend to vote ahead of the meeting.
"Labour Members are unwilling to speak out about this, most likely because of the fear of Political retribution.
"This is not the only example we have seen over the last year, and it now appears to be accepted behaviour to predetermine decisions, to hold pre-meetings to discuss and agree what is said and done in the public session, and to not allow any members to hold meaningful debate in public.
"This behaviour goes against Key Principles of Councillor Conduct in Planning, including the requirement to avoid predetermination and to refrain from lobbying other members.
"Please could you let us know as a matter of urgency what action you will take to ensure that the Code of Conduct is adhered to and that Planning, and Council decisions retain the integrity, impartiality and transparency that is absolutely essential to making decisions in the best interests of the public."
Council Leader Cllr Robbins said: “I believe this letter is nonsense. I’ll be referring myself to the Standards Committee to clear my name and challenge the letter writers to provide any evidence to support their claims.
"In the meantime, I’ll get on with the important job of building a fairer, better and greener Swindon with the residents of the town and leave the petty political stunts to Gary and Dale.”
The planning committee meeting saw members give permission for the refurbishment and reopening of The Oasis Leisure Centre, including the removal of the sports hall and the building of business premises, but permission to build up to 707 flats on the site was refused.
Conservative Group Leader Cllr Gary Sumner and his deputy, Cllr Dale Heenan, wrote to council Chief Executive Sam Mowbray and Chief Legal Officer Lisa Hall ahead of Wednesday's planning meeting.
The full text of the letter was subsequently leaked to the Save Oasis Swindon campaign group, which put it on their social media.
The letter says: "It has been brought to our attention from more than one source that Cllr Robbins, leader of the Labour Group, has been pressuring members of the Planning Committee to vote for approval ahead of tonight's Planning Committee and to reveal to him how they intend to vote ahead of the meeting.
"Labour Members are unwilling to speak out about this, most likely because of the fear of Political retribution.
"This is not the only example we have seen over the last year, and it now appears to be accepted behaviour to predetermine decisions, to hold pre-meetings to discuss and agree what is said and done in the public session, and to not allow any members to hold meaningful debate in public.
"This behaviour goes against Key Principles of Councillor Conduct in Planning, including the requirement to avoid predetermination and to refrain from lobbying other members.
"Please could you let us know as a matter of urgency what action you will take to ensure that the Code of Conduct is adhered to and that Planning, and Council decisions retain the integrity, impartiality and transparency that is absolutely essential to making decisions in the best interests of the public."
Council Leader Cllr Robbins said: “I believe this letter is nonsense. I’ll be referring myself to the Standards Committee to clear my name and challenge the letter writers to provide any evidence to support their claims.
"In the meantime, I’ll get on with the important job of building a fairer, better and greener Swindon with the residents of the town and leave the petty political stunts to Gary and Dale.”
The planning committee meeting saw members give permission for the refurbishment and reopening of The Oasis Leisure Centre, including the removal of the sports hall and the building of business premises, but permission to build up to 707 flats on the site was refused.
Your Comments
Be the first to comment on this article
Login or Register to post a comment on this article