https://theromileygazette.substack.com/publish/posts/published

31st December 2025

Dear Monitoring Officer,

I am writing to make a formal complaint regarding the Council’s decision to classify me as a vexatious complainant.  I raised concerns that residents in a road affected by a planning application were not notified.

My concern relates to an alleged failure to notify affected residents in accordance with the Council’s planning notification requirements and/or its Statement of Community Involvement. This is a matter of public administration and procedural fairness, not a personal grievance.

I am extremely concerned that, rather than addressing the substance of this issue, the Council has chosen to label me as vexatious. I do not believe this designation is justified, proportionate, or properly applied.

In particular:

  • I raised a legitimate and specific concern about whether statutory or policy notification requirements were met.
  • Persistence in raising an issue that has not been properly addressed does not meet the threshold for vexatious behaviour.
  • I have not been provided with:
    • Clear reasons explaining how my conduct meets the Council’s vexatious or unreasonable behaviour policy;
    • Evidence relied upon in making this decision;
    • Confirmation that the decision was reviewed and approved by a senior officer independent of the matter complained about;
    • Details of any right to review or appeal the designation.

I am concerned that the use of the “vexatious” label in this context may amount to an attempt to curtail legitimate scrutiny of the Council’s planning processes, which would be inappropriate and inconsistent with the principles of good administration.

I therefore request that you:

  1. Review the decision to classify me as vexatious;
  2. Confirm which policy was relied upon and how it was applied in this case;
  3. Provide a clear explanation of the specific conduct said to justify the designation;
  4. Confirm whether the designation will now be removed;
  5. Ensure that my underlying concern regarding planning notification of affected residents is properly considered through the Council’s complaints process.

Please treat this correspondence as a formal complaint to the Monitoring Officer.
If the matter cannot be resolved satisfactorily, I will consider referring it to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

Sheila Oliver

Editor, The Romiley Gazette