Pearson Planning, Chartered Surveyors has suspended its services in relation to land & buildings within the Falkirk area.
It has been reported in the press that a Councillor was suspended by the Standards Commission for purportedly hectoring a Senior Planning Officer.
The Senior Planning Officer had failed to conclude a legal agreement and grant planning permission for a housing development at Torwood, in accordance with the determination of the Local Review Body. The LRB took its decision in March 2022, and 3 years later the matter has still not been concluded.
The written decision of the Commissioner identified the Complainant as the case officer for the application.
The Case Officer was Brent Vivian MRTPI.
The Councillor considered this unacceptable and “whistle blew” complaining to lower management. No action was taken, albeit the Senior Planning Officer was alerted to this by colleagues.
Instead of taking corrective action, He became vengeful and complained about the Councillor. His Complaint was not upheld, so raised the matter with the Standards Commission who held a Hearing. Councillors are bound by a Code of Conduct.
So are Chartered Town Planners.
Clause 7 of the RTPI Code of Conduct requires members to act competently, conscientiously and responsibly, to apply reasonable standards of skill, knowledge and care in the performance of all their work, understanding that they have a duty to their employers.
It is this Company’s experience, that various planning staff within Falkirk Council, are underperforming, failing their employer and users of the planning service.
The Company, regrettably, has had to make formal Complaints (on behalf of clients) about the conduct of Brent Vivian and other planning staff.
Therefore, due to these ongoing concerns, the Company will not undertake new instructions, for new clients in relation to land & buildings within the Falkirk area.
This policy takes effect from 0000 on 21 July 2025, until further notice.
