Newark and Sherwood District Councillor Michael Brown issues public apology after calling chief executive John Robinson to resign

A councillor who called for a chief executive to resign after a controversial planning application was voted through at the third time of asking has issued a public apology.

Michael Brown called for John Robinson to resign during a virtual meeting of Newark and Sherwood District Council’s planning committee in April.

It followed the approval of an application by Arkwood Developments, the development company owned by the council, for 87 homes off Lord Hawke Way, Newark, on the casting vote of the chairman

In his apology to Mr Robinson, Conservative Mr Brown said: “I wanted to write to you directly to address the events of April’s virtual planning committee, and the subsequent embarrassment it has caused both yourself and the council.

“As to the statements I made regarding you as our chief executive, I want to be clear that I withdraw all and any allegations made against you during this committee. I acknowledge how serious an allegation of bullying is, however, I made this allegation without evidence, and acknowledge that is was grossly inappropriate to do so.

“I am aware that in making my rash comments, I called your integrity as our chief executive into question.

“I fully acknowledge that my statements were false, incorrect, and made in the heat of the moment.

“This was a considerable lapse in judgment at the time on my part, something which I deeply regret.

“I offer my full and unreserved apologies to you as our chief executive.

“To try and address my mistakes, I will be seeking to undertake additional training, specifically on our Code of Conduct, and to the role of a councillor, alongside further committee etiquette and planning-specific training.

“I would also like to address the time it has taken me to issue this apology. I have failed to give this matter the more immediate attention that it rightly warrants and requires. This is unacceptable, and I offer my sincere apologies for this.”

Mr Brown’s remarks resulted in the council receiving a formal Code of Conduct complaint about his behaviour.

Following the apology, the complainant withdrew their complaint and the matter was not taken any further.

The committee had twice voted against the application on the grounds of inadequate parking and highways concerns.

It was amended after the second refusal to include five extra parking spaces and resubmitted, with the county council expressing no highway concerns. It was recommended for approval.

Government policy allows for decisions to be made by elected members in virtual meetings during coronavirus.

However, when the council held its March meeting those powers were not in place so the committee could only make recommendations to the chief executive for the final say.

Mr Robinson, following legal advice, chose not to accept the March committee recommendation for Lord Hawke Way on the grounds of unreasonableness.