BUSINESSES submitting planning applications have been given a fairer deal following a procedural shake-up.
Applicants will now have the chance to put their case before Worcester City Council if councillors overturn officers' recommendations.
It means applicants or objectors who agree with an officer's recommendation do not lose the right of representation when those recommendations are overturned.
From now on, where this occurs, committees will defer issues so interested parties can make their representations.
The council acted to close a loophole after complaints from members of the public.
Coun Geoff Williams told a city council meeting last week that the new procedure would put the council in a better position where appeals arose.
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