The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the grant of planning permission as the matter is out of time.
The complaint
Ms X complains about the grant of planning permission for an extension to a neighbour’s property.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We cannot investigate late complaints unless we decide there are good reasons. Late complaints are when someone takes more than 12 months to complain to us about something a council has done. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 26B and 34D, as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Ms X complains about the grant of planning permission for a neighbour’s one storey extension. The Council granted planning permission in August 2022 after Ms X objected to the planning application. Ms X complained to the Council in July 2023 and the Council gave their final response in October 2023.
I see no reason why a complaint could not have been made to this office within 12 months of the grant of planning permission. Nor could a meaningful remedy be achieved after so long in our view.
Final decision
We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint because the complaint is out of time.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman