Cockle43
Manager⭐
I feel that the smoke will be white but as I've said earlier you can never presume to second guess Development Control Committees. Things sometimes come to light that change things dramatically during the course of a meeting.Mods.
I know that this thread is in the right place in terms of its nature etc, but given the fact that this is quite simply one of the biggest and most important decisions in SUFC's history, should this particular thread be moved to the main forum?
@Cockle43
Can I just ask. What is your personal gut feeling in how this will pan out?
I don't sit on DCC and I have not spoken to any of the Councillors who do about these applications; that could be construed as me trying to influence them and if they did speak to me about them and they gave any indication which way they are swaying that could lead to accusations of pre-determination and undue influence. Therefore it is better, for both parties, to not even start the conversation.
A Councillor is allowed to be predisposed to an application but must weigh everything with fair balance and reach a reasoned decision which may be different to their predisposition.
Predetermination is where a Councillor has stated beforehand or there is a reasonable expectation to assume which way they will definitely be voting.
It is for that reason that I would not discuss the applications with any of them beforehand as that would be unfair if they were to say anything that could be misconstrued and put them and me in an awkward position. In important matters like this it is crucial that we are seen to be squeaky clean and to risk problems is not fair on anyone. For the same reason I will not make statements on here which could indicate which way I would be likely to vote so that could not be used to try and sway anyone else although I am sure my view would not sway anyone.
The reason that season ticket holders and regular attenders can not take any part in the decision making process stems from an application made at a Premiership club for works at their ground where season ticket holding Councillors at that club took part in the decision, a legal challenge was made and the fact that they were season ticket holders was deemed to be not in order as they could be assumed to be in favour of any application the club made and were therefore predetermined. I haven't examined that judgement in detail but I understand the judge was quite scathing in his comments as to how it could ever have been considered otherwise. Following that ruling the assumption is made that anyone in that position here is also predetermined in favour of the club, whether they are or not.