Question

Can my Town council redevelop part of a green play area without completing a formal consultation process?

We have a green childrens play area, and the council is pressing ahead with the development of a 'boules' pitch. Living adjacent to this ground I object as there will be other potential implications, e.g traffic, parking, waste, noise etc

Answer 1

The council probably can.  Decisions of this kind can be made provided they have been put on an agenda for a council meeting, and the agenda has been made public for at least the minimum required period (3 clear days, not including Sunday).  The council is also subject to any covenants or other legal restrictions on the land.

Most councils permit members of the public to speak to meetings and allow matters of concern to be raised, either at the time of a decision or afterwards.  Obviously it is better if concerns can be raised before the decision is made.  But this relies on citizens keeping an eye on the town council agendas.

Councillors should listen to the concerns of citizens, and it would be good practice to consult before taking a decision that will affect the locality.  Although if they do not behave as they ideally should, the final recourse is usually through the periodic elections.