Planning Committee Chair Investigated Over 'Conflict Of Interest'

Luke Poots, the son of DUP MLA Edwin Poots, is to be investigated following allegations of a conflict of interest in a number of planning decisions.

Mr Poots is the chairman of Lisburn and Castlereagh City council's planning committee and according to reports allegations have been made that he has voted in favour of a number of planning decisions lobbied for by his father, Edwin.


The Northern Ireland Ombudsman, which oversees standards in local government, is believed to be investigating "if the code of conduct has been broken in relation to decisions by Mr Poots".

Speaking to the BBC, Luke Poots, said that he believes that he is "100% in the clear".

When asked by the BBC about the allegations, he said: "On being appointed to the planning committee of Lisburn Castlereagh City Council, I asked for advice on my role if my father made representations to the committee.

"The council received legal advice from their independent legal advisors which I have always followed.

"I have done everything by the book. I am 100% in the clear. Every time I have been in the chair when my dad speaks, I have declared an interest."

(MH)