13 February 2004
'Fundamental flaws' in the London Borough of Southwark's planning processes meant auditors were 'unable to refute entirely allegations of corrupt or improper practices' after officers granted permission for a controversial housing development, a report has revealed.
The district auditor has slammed Southwark's actions in respect of planning applications for two neighbouring properties in Camberwell during 2001, following complaints about the way that each case was handled.
Southwark chief executive Bob Coomber said the report by auditor Derek Elliott could not 'corroborate evidence of corrupt practices'.
But Elliott's study, published on February 6, concludes that the council's procedures, including its record-keeping, were so poor that the situation remains unclear.
Coomber this week confirmed that two senior council officers have been suspended from duty following Elliott's findings. 'I have [also] asked the Metropolitan Police to consider the report… to see whether further investigation is required,' he added.
A member of the public has also referred the two cases to the local government ombudsman.
In October 2001, Southwark granted Fairview New Homes planning permission for a residential development. The auditor found that the use of a neighbouring property, a nightclub, 'was not taken sufficiently into account'.
Following an extensive investigation, Elliott found that the consultation concerning the residential development was 'fundamentally flawed'; that the quality of reports prepared by officers was 'inadequate'; and that the committee dealing with the applications 'should have made more detailed enquiries'.
He also criticised officers for failing to meet 'the standards expected of public servants' and, on the back of complaints relating to other planning applications, has warned the council to improve its reporting and consultation processes.
Coomber said the council had already committed itself to reforming its planning processes.
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