19th January 2026
A local resident has raised questions about the handling of planning matters related to Hatherlow Sunday School, after receiving what she describes as unsatisfactory responses from Stockport Council regarding transparency and accuracy in decision-making.
Sheila Oliver lodged a complaint after local councillors withdrew objections to a planning application, which she claims was based on incorrect advice from the council’s planning officer. Under the Duty of Candour obligations for public bodies, she argued that the council should acknowledge any instance where misleading or inaccurate information influenced committee decisions.
In a detailed response from Katie Moores, Complaints Manager at Stockport Council, the authority confirmed:
- The planning officer did not provide misleading or inaccurate information regarding the balance between housing need and traffic concerns.
- The planning committee was not required to be made aware of any alleged withdrawal of objections based on incorrect advice.
- The council does not acknowledge any failure in ensuring transparency and accuracy in this process.
The correspondence follows a review of the complaint, webcast recordings of the Area Committee, and prior council responses. Ms Moores stated that the council is satisfied that a factually correct and proportionate response has been provided.
Ms Oliver, however, expressed continued concern that the council has not fully examined her core issue — namely that councillors may have acted on information she considers inaccurate. In her follow-up, she emphasized that simply providing a proportionate response is insufficient if the fundamental concern about misleading advice remains unresolved.
The case highlights ongoing tensions in local planning processes, particularly the responsibility of councils to ensure accurate advice and transparent decision-making for residents and elected representatives alike.
Dear Ms Oliver,
Further to your follow up questions, please find the responses below:
- Did the planning officer provide misleading or inaccurate information to councillors regarding the balance between housing need and traffic concerns? No
- Was the planning committee made fully aware that local councillors’ withdrawal of objections was based on incorrect advice? Not applicable
- Given the duty of candour, does the Council acknowledge any failure in ensuring transparency and accuracy in this process? No
Kind regards,
Katie Moores
Complaints Manager
Stockport Council
Mobile: 07929 795350
From: Sheila Oliver <sheilaoliver@ntlworld.com>
Sent: 25 February 2025 18:51
To: Katie Moores <katie.moores@stockport.gov.uk>
Cc: James Almond <james@almond-pubs.co.uk>
Subject: External: RE: Council response
Dear Ms Moores
Subject: Response to Complaint Review – Duty of Candour
Thank you for your response regarding my complaint about the handling of planning matters related to Hatherlow Sunday School. I note your assertion that the Council is satisfied with the response provided to me. However, I remain concerned that a key issue has not been adequately addressed—namely, that the planning officer provided misleading information to local councillors, which directly influenced their decision to withdraw their objections.
The Council has a duty to ensure that decisions are made transparently and based on accurate information. Under the new Duty of Candour obligations for public bodies, I would expect the Council to fully acknowledge and address instances where misleading or inaccurate information has played a role in decision-making. It is not sufficient to state that a proportionate response was provided if the fundamental concern—incorrect information being given to councillors—has not been properly examined.
I request a clear response on the following points:
- Did the planning officer provide misleading or inaccurate information to councillors regarding the balance between housing need and traffic concerns?
- Was the planning committee made fully aware that local councillors’ withdrawal of objections was based on incorrect advice?
- Given the duty of candour, does the Council acknowledge any failure in ensuring transparency and accuracy in this process?
I would appreciate a direct and substantive response to these points. Should the Council fail to address this issue properly, I will have no choice but to escalate my concerns to the relevant oversight bodies.
I look forward to your reply.
Yours sincerely,
Sheila
From: Katie Moores [mailto:katie.moores@stockport.gov.uk]
Sent: 25 February 2025 17:26
To: sheilaoliver
Subject: Council response
Dear Ms Oliver,
I refer to the letter from the Leader of the Council dated 17th January 2025 in which he advised that the response you have been provided would be reviewed.
Having fully reviewed your initial complaint, the webcast of the Area Committee and the Councils together with the responses you have been provided, the Council is satisfied that a factually correct and proportionate response was provided to you.
Kind regards,
Katie Moores
Complaints Manager
Stockport Council
Mobile: 07929 795350
