ALCESTER Town Council has been criticised for failing to follow up its views on planning applications.

The council strongly objected in writing to an application to convert a town centre residential property into offices.

But when the matter came before Stratford District Council's west area planning committee at the Greig Hall last Thursday, there was no-one from the town council present either to speak or observe.

Planning committee vice-chairman Kim James said: "This matter is only before the committee because Alcester Town Council objected to it - but they haven't got the decency to turn up. It's a disgrace."

But Alcester Mayor Chris Gough said the point of objecting was to make sure applications were discussed and not just approved by officers under delegated powers.

"If they are saying if we want to object we have to be prepared to speak then they should make it clear - but we have sent written objections for the best part of 30 years."

Mr Gough went on to say there would have been a town councillor at the meeting but the person concerned was ill. The councillor was not, however, going to speak.

Town and parish councils can have a three-minute slot to put its views to the committee, along with objectors and supporters of planning applications.

Mr Gough said: "As councillors, we expect to be criticised by the public and that's fair game. But to be criticised by a fellow councillor - and someone who knows us in Alcester - seems a bit of a shame.

"Yes, we could have been there. It was unfortunate. Our representative was ill and I had to go to another meeting. But it doesn't alter the fact if there are objections it goes to committee to be discussed."

The application to convert the rear wing of Arrow House, in Church Street, from residential to office use, was passed without discussion after a brief explanation of the proposals by the planning officer.