That was the question posed by a former councillor to Calderdale Council’s Cabinet. Explaining the current process, Coun Ingle said all representations submitted in relation to an application are available for Planning Committee members to review on the council’s Planning Portal before any committee meeting. “They ensure that the objectors are not afforded more speaking time than the applicant,” he said. Coun Ingle said under the existing procedure objectors, ward councillors and the applicant are each allocated a five minute speaking slot. The provision of a five minute speaking slot for objectors is common practice at Planning Committees across the country, said Coun Ingle.