Councillor Philip Burford, a longstanding member of the Forest of Dean District Council and former leader of the Independent group, has been banned from serving on all committees for three years after being formally censured for bullying planning officers.
The council’s standards panel revealed that Burford subjected planning officers to extensive and sustained criticism between 2015 and 2023, creating a work environment filled with fear and dread. Evidence from 11 witnesses, spanning 496 pages, documented his repeated disrespect, misuse of authority, and undermining of officers.
Initially chairman of the planning committee from 2015 to 2020, Burford resumed the role in May 2022, where his behaviour intensified. The panel found that his confusion over his role and a belief that he “knew best” led to persistent tension and intimidation, hampering the impartiality and safety of council officers.
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Burford was also found guilty of breaching the code of conduct by failing to declare an interest and improperly influencing planning enforcement cases. Although the standards panel initially recommended a formal censure and a ban from chairing committees, councillor Julia Gooch successfully pushed for a stronger sanction: barring Burford from all committees, working groups, and outside bodies for three years.
Gooch emphasized the council’s duty to provide a safe and respectful environment for its officers, underscoring that the prolonged behaviour was neither isolated nor acceptable. Former council leader Tim Gwilliam described the conduct as ‘bullying’ and lamented that the issue had not been addressed sooner, calling for greater protection of council staff.
Other councillors voiced concerns about Burford’s continued presence on the council and highlighted the absence of remorse in his response to the findings. Questions were raised about the adequacy of training to address such behaviour, but it was concluded this was a deeper behavioural issue.
The council approved the sanctions by a majority vote of 30 in favour, with two abstentions and one against. Burford will be formally censured and prohibited from participating in committees or representing the council on external bodies for a minimum of three years.
In response, Burford stated that throughout his 18 years as a councillor, he has always strived to be fair and serve his constituents to the best of his ability. He expressed disappointment that no feedback was given earlier regarding concerns about his approach.