East Suffolk Council has been independently investigated by the Planning Advisory Service (PAS), which is part of the Local Government Association (LGA).

This paper saw a leaked copy of the report showing the council referred itself after some "challenging meetings" and had received concerns from members of the council and the public.

The report recommends that councillors undertake further training in the importance of up-to-date policy and having a policy-first approach in debate, while noting that chairs could have benefited from a firmer approach and a solicitor being present.

Among the concerns highlighted were “inappropriate behaviour” from members of the public and councillors during committee hearings and high public attendance impacting the "comfort and safety" of those involved.

Meanwhile, the report said the decision-making process and procedural practice at the council were "sound”.

The report looked at Wilderness Reserve's application into Blyth Barn. (Image: ESPA)

Investigators focused on two applications discussed by the council. These were Wilderness Reserve's Blyth Barn application in Huntingfield and plans for 58 retirement apartments in........

© Eastern Daily Press