WORCESTER MP Mike Foster has called on the District Auditor to investigate plans for a church in St Peter's.
Mr Foster has taken action after claims made by the Conservative ward councillor, Aubrey Tarbuck, that the "interests" of city councillors had clouded the issue.
Coun Tarbuck made the allegations at last month's St Peter's Parish Council meeting when parish council members discussed proposals to re-locate Red Hill Baptist Church behind Tesco.
"The claims made by Conservative city councillor, Aubrey Tarbuck, need close examination, so we can all be assured the planning process has been properly conducted," said Mr Foster.
"He wouldn't have made these allegations unless he thought there was something wrong.
"Councillor Tarbuck claims the interests of his fellow Conservative councillors have clouded the issue.
Proper process
"It's important the District Auditor looks at this, so the public can have confidence the proper process has been applied.
"Calling for the District Auditor to examine the matter isn't something I do lightly.
"I personally don't know of any wrong-doing, although the parish council is concerned about certain elements in the process.
"But the residents in St Peter's, indeed the whole of Worcester, must have confidence in the decision-making process even if they don't like the eventual outcome."
City councillors have already agreed the outline plan for the church, along with community centre and affordable houses on the land.
Coun Tarbuck said during the parish meeting the involvement of some councillors was a matter of concern.
"It does worry me that members of the council are involved in the church," he said. "One officer in Worcester has declared an interest."
Philip Betts, the city council's legal officer, said he could not comment as the council had not received anything yet from Mr Foster.
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