A new report has revealed West Norfolk Council spent tens of thousands of pounds defending its decision to block hundreds of new homes on the edge of Lynn.
And a paper to be presented to a meeting of the authority’s corporate performance panel tomorrow has set out the total cost to the taxpayer of £50,237 plus VAT.
Proposed areas for the development of 600 houses near Knights Hill.. (26974215)
But the report adds: “The major costs borne by the council were for expert witnesses and legal representation, which were required to put forward the council’s case at a public inquiry.
“Reasons for refusal (the council’s case) must be properly evidenced otherwise there is a risk of the council having an award of costs against it for unreasonable behaviour.
“In addition it should be noted that because the council’s own officers had recommended approval, external witnesses (consultants) had to be used.”
Councillors subsequently voted to drop one of the grounds for the original refusal, relating to traffic risks, after officials warned them they risked being held liable for legal bills of up to £500,000 if they continued to maintain that stance.
King's Lynn Town will travel to former winners Portsmouth in the second round of the FA Cup.The draw was made a short time ago and pitches the Linnets against the League One side who won the trophy as recently as 2008.Lynn booked their place in the second round for the first time since 2006-7 after beating League Two Port Vale on Saturday.Sonny Carey celebrates his decisive goal with teammates (43039806)Meanwhile, […]