THE ISLE of Wight Council's new Alliance Group has defended the decision to grant a Conservative councillor retrospective planning permission when she built her stables too big.

As previously reported, Cllr Clare Mosdell was granted the permission at a meeting of the Planning Committee on Tuesday evening.

The application for stables, along with a new all-weather menage, was called in, because it was an application by a councillor and a neighbour objected after the stables were built nearly double the permitted size.

The committee stressed it was not a code of conduct hearing so it would be basing the decision solely on planning merits.

The meeting heard from Cllr Geoff Brodie, who said the application would not have come to the committee had it been 'Joe Bloggs Island resident' but he had 'a reasonable understanding' retrospective planning applications are not unusual on the Island.

Cllr Claire Critchison proposed a tougher drainage condition, which was agreed.

She said: "The applicant was aware of the rules and made a very bad judgement, considering her position. Councillors sign up to represent their community and should do their best to lead by example.

"There are costs incurred for the council not only financial but also damaging to the public image from this application regardless of the decision."

The decision drew criticism from the public, on social media and on the County Press's article.

A spokesperson for the Alliance Group said today (Thursday): "The Alliance Group has noted the many public comments made about the planning application involving Cllr Mosdell.

"We very much understand the majority of the feelings expressed, however the application was decided in accordance with the rules and policies currently laid down.

"If the committee had done otherwise that would have been a breach rules and led to an appeal being launched, with every chance of success."

Read more: Councillor explains why she built stables too big