Planning chairman doesn't consider DoI applications

Tim Baker keen to avoid conflicts of interest

An MHK with overlapping roles says he absents himself from any decision-making process whenever there's a conflict of interest - whether that be through direct involvement, or through 'perception'.

Tim Baker has responsibility for ports within the Department of Infrastructure, but is also the member of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture with responsibility for the planning directorate, and is chair of the Planning Committee.

That conflict was raised when Infrastructure submitted a planning application as part of the process of dredging Peel Marina.

Mr Baker says he steps back when it comes to any application from the department: