Panel to adjudicate on deputy leader's "breach of code" (From Western Telegraph)

Panel to adjudicate on deputy leader's "breach of code"

11:46am Tuesday 10th July 2007 in

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The Adjudication Panel for Wales will sit today to consider the findings of an Ombudsman's report into the behaviour of the deputy leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr John Allen-Mirehouse.

Cllr Allen-Mirehouse is accused of breaching five separate paragraphs of the Pembrokeshire National Park Authority's code of conduct following discussions at a park authority meeting more than five years ago.

The "homes for locals" policy, or policy 47, sought to limit provision of new housing in the park to meet the needs of local people or those for whom it was essential to live in the community.

It is widely held that this would have lowered the value of land within the park.

Cllr Allen-Mirehouse joined in the discussion on this policy and voted against it, failing to declare that he had an interest as a landowner and developer.

The Ombudsman's report, produced in December 2005, pointed out that Cllr Allen-Mirehouse owns 2,500 acres of land, much of it within the park. He also owns a company with development in its title and as its principal registered business activity.

"Subsequent events demonstrate that he is involved in development by selling land for that purpose with a view to profit, and will do so within the National Park where he owns a large amount of land," the report read.

"Whatever Cllr Allen Mirehouse's stated reasons for opposing the proposed policy,it could reasonably be regarded as likely to disadvantage him. He therefore failed to declare an interest and spoke and voted on the policy."

The Ombudsman made the unusual decision to refer his report to the Adjudication Panel for Wales for adjudication by tribunal.

When the report was published Cllr Allen-Mirehouse stated his intention to appear in front of the adjudication panel and "correct the incorrect impression the Ombudsman has given."

The tribunal will begin at Lamphey Court Hotel in Pembrokeshire at 1.00pm today and is scheduled to continue until Thursday.