Greenwich Council Slammed Over Planning Oversight and Inspections
Greenwich Council faces criticism over its handling of planning permissions and inspections, with a recent incident involving an unauthorised advertising mural and concerns raised about its oversight of planning conditions. The council admitted it lacks the funding to inspect planning applications, leading to accusations of losing control over its planning processes. This was highlighted when the council ordered the painting over of an unauthorised mural featuring a Union Flag, despite not having the necessary planning permission. The council's inability to meet the terms set by a developer for a homeless hostel project further underscores these concerns. Despite local objections, planners granted retrospective planning permission to convert a building into a homeless hostel, dividing it into 26 studio flats for vulnerable adults and children. The council later confirmed it cannot follow up on planning inspections due to budget issues, raising questions about its capacity to enforce planning laws effectively. Greenwich Council's struggles with planning oversight and inspections have been laid bare, with funding shortages and a lack of follow-up on planning inspections causing concern. The council maintains it acted according to government planning laws, but the incidents have led to criticism and questions about its ability to manage planning conditions and permissions effectively.
