Quote:
Originally Posted by Colin May
A councillor can bring forth a complaint from a person and be present at an appeal. Sitting in judgement on an issue where you have already expressed an opinion or have a pecuniary interest is not allowed. The Appeals Committee is required to be impartial and make decisions based on evidence. The mistake was in sending an email where she clearly viewed this issue in a negative light.
When council considers a planning application the members are supposed to refrain from discussing the project with the proponent and anyone who supports or opposes an application.
I think the unsightly premises aspect of legislation should be scrapped, the aspects relating to 'dangerous' should be maintained. If you want to paint your property in a multitude of colours that is none of my business, and if you don't want to paint your home that is none of my business.
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I understand your point, Colin, and agree. It is a nuance, but a very important one, in that any committee that is placing judgement on a situation must remain impartial. Of course we are all human and all have opinions, but when in the position of "judge", we must put our personal opinions aside and make a judgement purely based on the facts/evidence presented.
In writing and/or verbalizing as such, then we are indicating that we are not able to put our opinions aside and remain truly impartial. Therefore the judgement process is not purely honest, and thus the problem with this case.
Thanks for presenting your point of view, it has helped me understand the process a little better.