Cllr Philip Booth, a Stroud District Green party councillor, commenting on the BBC programme said: "Stroud District Council paid GVA Grimley to market the Dursley site for a supermarket and negotiate with Tesco over that site, yet Tesco is also one of GVA Grimley's clients. No one is saying anything illegal has happened, but it is surely poor practice that property agencies have commercial relationships with both sides when there is a planning application?"

Philip Booth said: "Other examples of such practice exist across the country, but many of us are very concerned. Two years ago the Royal Town Planning Institute promised new advice in response to campaigners. There is still none. I have written again expressing concerns and welcome news that Lib Dem MP Norman Lamb has also called for changes."

Norman Lamb, Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, has raised this issue with the head of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) complaining that property consultancies often have had commercial relationships with both sides when there is a planning application, potentially undermining their independence. Mr Lamb names GVA Grimley, the property consultancy, as an example of a company that works for both councils and supermarkets. He points out that the company lists Tesco as a client and yet also gives local councils independent advice regarding planning applications with the retailer (ii).

Notes:

(i) See Green party news release

(ii) Daily Telegraph

(iii) Letter to RTPI:
The Royal Town Planning Institute
41 Botolph Lane
London EC3R 8DL

Dear Sir/Madam,

I write regarding the issue aired last week on the BBC 'You and Yours' programme about property consultancies who often have commercial relationships with both sides when there is a planning application.

This is an issue the Stroud District Green party raised in 2002 and 2005 as Stroud District Council paid GVA Grimley to market the Dursley site for a supermarket and negotiate with Tesco over that site, yet Tesco is also one of GVA Grimley's clients. No one is saying anything illegal has happened, but it is surely poor practice that property agencies have commercial relationships with both sides when there is a planning application?

I understand that this practice has occurred elsewhere and that two years ago you agreed to issue guidance regarding this matter yet no new guidance has materialised. To many of us, there is a potential for conflict of interest while such practices continue. This also does nothing to improve public confidence in big businesses or their local Councils. I would welcome your views on this.

Yours faithfully,

Cllr Philip Booth