A COUNCILLOR wants Kirklees to rethink a “crazy decision”.

Clr Andrew Pinnock has spoken out against moves to scrap paper copies of planning applications.

The Lib-Dem said Kirklees Council’s planning department is considering switching to computer-only records.

Clr Pinnock said: “At the moment paper copies of planning applications are available to the public in town halls and libraries across Kirklees. But the planning department is suggesting paper copies of planning applications should no longer be made available to the public.

“Instead people would have to use libraries to view all planning applications. While electronic viewings are suitable for many people there is a real risk that some residents will be disenfranchised by the proposed changes.”

Clr Pinnock believes larger applications should continue to be available on paper.

He said: “It is very difficult to see the detail and context of complicated applications on a small screen. I think paper copies of big, complex plans should continue to be deposited in the town halls and in Civic Centre 3 in Huddersfield.”

Clr Pinnock wants the council’s Cabinet to block the change.

He said: “I urge the Conservative Cabinet to re-think this crazy decision because we must ensure residents are able to play a full role in planning decisions which affect their communities.”