"A violation of human rights" is what the chair of the Isle of Wight Council's Planning Committee has brandished a decision to ban him from yesterday's all-important Westridge Farm meeting.
Plans to build 473 homes at Ryde's last dairy farm were voted through last night (Tuesday), but it wasn't without controversy.
Ryde Mayor and councillor Michael Lilley, who has been one of the main campaigners against the proposals, was advised against attending the meeting due to concerns over prejudicing proceedings.
Cllr Geoff Brodie stepped in and cast the deciding vote, as the application passed by four votes to two, with two abstentions.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Lilley said the decision to exclude him from the meeting was "a concerted effort to stop me talking and properly representing my residents".
He said:
"I stood down as Chair of the IW Planning Committee and my place on the Committee so I could speak against the West Acre Park application as the Ward Councillor for Ryde Appley and Elmfield.
"It is accepted practice that a Ward Councillor can attend and voice their objections on behalf of their residents. I was subsequently contacted by the IWC Monitoring Officer that I could not attend physically but I could attend virtually until lunchtime of the 28th (day of the planning meeting) and then told I could not do this and could only send a written statement.
"I was unable to get independent advice and being told I would jeopardize any future appeal I had no choice to abide by the Monitoring officers decision."
The plans, submitted by Island developers Captiva Homes, will see 473 homes built - 166 of which will be 'affordable'.
Of those, 71 per cent will be available for rent. Cllr Lilley described the decision as a "great injustice".
He said:
"I am devastated by the outcome of the meeting and for the farming family who now face the loss of their home and livelihood. This is a great injustice and I will be working with local residents to take this decision to judicial review.
"I believe that preventing a democratically elected councillor from being at the meeting was a violation of democracy and human rights. The decision to approve this application is totally wrong."
Planning conditions mean the scheme has to start within three years of permission.
The development is expected to be delivered in nine phases over the coming years.
Isle of Wight Radio has asked the Isle of Wight Council for a comment.
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