Town Hall controversy 26/6/10
The Scottish Government has passed the controversial planning application to redesign Stornoway Town Hall.
Protestors are incensed furious that the council now has official permission to rip out the stage and alter the balcony particularly as the Comhairle planning officials originally opposed elements to changing the historic nature of the building.
Campaigners maintain there has been a breach of planning rules as a substitute proposal significantly differed from the original and did not have a proper design statement.
They insist that there should legally have been a hearing.
Campaign spokesperson Amanda Darling said “The councillors may be happy that they have won a battle, however the war is yet to be won and they have made serious breaches of laws.”
“Given the Comhairle's historic bad relationship with consultation, and Audit Scotland’s wrapping of council knuckles, they will not like to hear that we will not let the town hall matter rest until they realise they cannot make up their own rules as they go.”
“Our complaint with the council is being processed, with the planners being internally investigated. We are preparing our case against individual councillors to submit to the Standards Commission.”