| Topic: | Distinguished Council figures assist property developer Dr Sahota | |
| Posted by: | Victor Mishiku | |
| Date/Time: | 16/07/13 12:08:00 |
| It has now been brought to light that Labour politican Dr Onkar Singh Sahota, multi-millionaire property owner (who Steve Pound MP did not recommend to be an MP because he owns some 8 properties - not in the "socialist" mould) procured the services of his policital colleague Cllr. Julian Bell, the Leader of Ealing Council (but only just - per the grace of Southall Councillors, we hear) and employee of the Southall MP, Mr V.Sharma (political colleague of Dr Sahota) to "introduce" him to Ealing Council Planners in connection with his proposed development planning application. Not only was Cllr. Bell present in our Victorian road (Castlebar Road - "Hanger Hill Estate, Ealing") to render his services but also Mr Noel Rutherford, Director of the Environment Group, Ealing Council (he is the boss of Head of Planning, Ms Aileen Jones and her managers, Ms Alex Jackson, etc) was in attendance to discuss Dr Sahota's single-storey garden extension, etc. This seems very odd! Dr Sahota has professional Planning Consultants - why does the Leader of the Council, Cllr. Julian Bell, who is not a Ward Councillor for this area, think it proper for him to be involved with his close political ally in what is likely to be perceived to be effectively "leaning" on the planners? Is Cllr. Bell a planning consultant now? How many other people can get the busy Leader of the Council and the Director of the Environment Group as well over to their home to advise and "introduce" them to a planning officer to discuss their planning application for an extension? I mean what is a humble planning officer over from New Zealand say to make of this, when the Leader of the Council giving the officer employment and the Environment Group Director of the Council (the superior officer to the Head of Planning, Ms Aileen Jones) are present "introducing" (thus most people would agree giving the seal of approval) a developer to the planning officer? Wouldn't he or she be trembling with all the assembled powerful figures on the face of it "introducing" and in effect impliedly recommending Dr Sahota to him or her? Is this not an Abuse of Power? If this is the underhand politics of Southall, then it is not welcome on our Estate. |