West Lindsey council deputy leader faces investigation over comments on Hemswell planning row

Alan Morris has lodged complaints with the district council, Hemswell Parish Council, the local Conservative association and MP Edward Leigh, saying he was “outraged” by remarks from Councillor Paul Howitt-Cowan which portrayed him as a “serial criminal”.

In June, Coun Howitt-Cowan, now the district’s deputy leader, told a meeting of Hemswell Parish Council that he feared might illegally demolish the building as part of his plans to build a new home.

He said: “The bungalow that’s proposed is preposterous […] and the person who’s putting forward this development does have a history of doing this in other parts of the country ... There is a risk, [the conservation officer] thinks that he might try to be naughty, and flout the planning rules.

“Now, this information I shouldn’t tell you, but we will if there’s an attempt — and this is where local people can help — if this chap starts to demolish the property, or interfere with the property in any way, please let West Lindsey know as soon as possible because there are legal actions that can be taken.”

This week, Mr Morris said: “The accusations are completely baseless. I have never demolished any building in my life – legally or illegally.

“I was absolutely livid when I heard what he said, and I have absolutely no idea where this idea of my previous history of illegal demolition has come from.”

The property already had planning approval for conversion to a home, however Mr Morris said structural surveys concluded the building was beyond repair resulting in the new application.

The parish council previously said they had “reservations” over the plans, which would mean a “significant part” of Hemswell history being lost – instead calling for sympathetic reconstruction.

When contacted by the Local Democracy Service, Coun Howitt-Cowan refused to comment further.

A spokesperson for the district council said: “This is being looked into, therefore we cannot comment further at this stage.”

Gainsborough Conservatives confirmed an investigation was in progress.

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