A NEW code of practice aims to take the heat out of planning matters - one of the council's most controversial committees.

The code stresses the need for councillors and officers on the Development Control Committee to be impartial, in a bid to provide a more transparent service.

It includes guidelines on a range of matters including the lobbying of committee members, procedures governing site visits, and complaints procedures.

Special attention is paid to decisions made by the committee which go against officer recommendations.

Committee chairman Clr Terry O'Neill said: "This is a very positive response to a service that often comes in for unjust criticism on how its decisions are reached. It is designed to give the public a better insight into what is often highly controversial decision making."

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