by Ray George
There was one of the occasional meetings for residents associations at the Civic Centre on 9th June at which I learnt a few things. Chris Lyons, Planning and Development Manager is leaving at the end of July and his boss has already left. An interim manager is being brought in. The Planning and Rights of Way Panel has been divided into two panels. One, dealing with planning applications from the east wards of Southampton, is comprised of councillors from west wards, and the other vice versa. The intention is to ensure planning applications are determined by councillors according to Council policy, rather than in the interests of their electors. If you ring up the Council to make an enquiry about planning, your phone call is diverted to “our colleagues” in Capita.