Oldham Liberal Democrats are fighting to ensure the adoption of new standards for planning decisions in the borough.

Transparency International, the leading global anti-corruption organisation, recently looked at the planning system in the UK, and produced “Permission Accomplished” – a report detailing how the planning system can be improved to ensure that residents can see a process designed to ensure integrity, impartiality and transparency.

Local Liberal Democrat Councillor Mark Kenyon said: “Faced with nonsensical planning decisions like we’ve seen at Knowls Lane, many people have completely lost faith in the planning process in Oldham. Planning rules imposed from Westminster, backed by local Conservatives, may force some decisions upon the Council, but the lack of a clear, transparent process means that residents feel that their views are excluded and decisions can’t be trusted. We need to urgently change the way we are working.

“Rebuilding people’s trust in our Council is vital if we want to help those who need help most in our borough. That process has to start with planning and, whilst it will take time, adopting the recommendations of Transparency International is an important first step.”

The motion will be heard at the September 8 Council meeting. The Council has recently appointed a new head of planning, and the Liberal Democrat team are aiming to ensure that a new broom really does sweep clean.

Fellow councillor Sam Al-Hamdani, who is seconding the motion, said: “Planning is without a doubt the hardest part of my job as a councillor. There are so many laws that you have to comply with, otherwise the Council would get sued, and that would come out of the taxpayers pocket.

“At the same time, there is probably nothing that we do as councillors that has a more direct impact on so many people. It is a matter of principle that I want to be able to look people in the eye and say that we made a fair decision.

“Trust can be destroyed in an instant, and it takes years to rebuild. People need to have confidence that councillors are always working in their interests. I want this motion to be passed, so that we can lay good foundations for that.”