The first three weeks of consultation on the Laindon Shopping Centre development have been missed because the council did not tell anyone about it.
Angry - Nigel Smith wasn't told of crucial consultation Picture: LUAN MARSHALL
Nigel Smith, a Labour councillor for Lee Chapel North, is furious that he only found out at the end of last week by reading the Evening Echo.
He said: "I am very angry. This is the most important planning application in my ward for a generation, but three weeks have passed and I have only just been told about it.
"I let it be known to the council months ago that I was interested in this application."
He was not the only one in the dark about the application. Senior members of the administration were also unaware.
Mr Smith said: "I think the plans for 138 homes, a large supermarket and 21 shops may be over-ambitious for the site."
A Basildon Council spokesman said: "This major application was received on December 22 and registered as valid on December 24 after due legal procedures had been processed.
"As soon as practical, after the Christmas break, arrangements were made to inform councillors through usual processes.2
Published Monday January 12, 2004
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