Northern Ireland

Council defers decision on plans formerly represented by DUP MLA Trevor Clarke's firm

DUP MLA Trevor Clarke, and inset, how The Irish News reported on his sideline planning business
DUP MLA Trevor Clarke, and inset, how The Irish News reported on his sideline planning business DUP MLA Trevor Clarke, and inset, how The Irish News reported on his sideline planning business

COUNCILLORS have deferred making a decision on a planning application formerly represented by DUP MLA Trevor Clarke's controversial sideline lobbying business.

A majority of five to four on Antrim and Newtownabbey council's planning committee voted against approving the plans, but councillors were unable to reach consensus on reasons for refusal.

DUP councillor Jeannie Archibald, who works in Mr Clarke's constituency office, was unable to vote as she left the council chamber for part of the discussion.

The application seeks retrospective approval for a track near Randalstown used by farm machinery and as an exercise lane for horses.

It was among several applications which had been represented by Mr Clarke's business Versatile Consultancy when it was exposed earlier this year by an Irish News investigation.

The South Antrim MLA, who earns thousands of pounds from Versatile, has rejected concerns that his firm is a conflict of interest breaching assembly rules which prohibit paid advocacy.

However, Mr Clarke later moved to withdraw Versatile from advising on planning applications "to avoid any further concern" and asked clients to appoint new agents.

It came after a farmer who sought Mr Clarke's help over his objections to the horse track told of his surprise at learning the MLA was lobbying for the plans through Versatile.

Brian McKeown said he had met with Mr Clarke in his constituency office to discuss his concerns, but at no stage did the MLA suggest his business may represent the applicant.

A planning application was later submitted with Versatile listed as the planning agent.

Mr McKeown said he only subsequently learned through the media that Mr Clarke runs Versatile, and had called on the MLA to withdraw from the application.

The controversy was not discussed when the application came before the council's planning committee at Mossley Mill on Monday evening.

Mr Clarke did not attend the meeting.

Speaking to the committee on Mr McKeown's behalf, Alliance councillor Neil Kelly voiced concerns about the track being in close proximity to Mr McKeown's property and fears that his farm machinery "could scare the horses".

Planners recommended approval, saying that the application would not significantly impact on neighbouring properties.

Damien Kearney of DM Kearney Design – the new agent appointed on behalf of the applicant, Jim McAteer – said the proposal "fully complies with planning policy".

After councillors were unable to reach a decision, they backed Alliance councillor Tom Campbell's proposal to defer the matter for a month for further consideration.

Asked yesterday about not voting on the application, Ms Archibald said committee members "must be present for the full item to take part in the debate or vote on the item".

"As I left during the item, I was not entitled to speak, nor vote on the item," she added.

The Versatile Consultancy business is among several controversies surrounding Mr Clarke and his wife, DUP councillor Linda Clarke, to emerge in recent months.

Others include council contracts awarded to their son's printing firm and planning enforcement action over a triple garage built at their home.

The couple have insisted they "made all the relevant declarations and adhered to all rules".