A ROW over a presentation made to Petersfield Town Council could lead to new rules being introduced for future meetings.

Dr Brian Keefe told councillors recently he felt as if he had been Òset upÓ after listening to a member of the public talk about affordable housing needs in Petersfield. The visitor was later revealed to be a developer from South Harting.

Dr Keefe said the man had no right to address the town council on this topic and felt there was a Òserious conflict of interestsÓ.

At last weekÕs meeting of the finance and general purposes committee, restrictions on people making presentations to the town council were discussed in response to the incident.

They include asking for peopleÕs names, addresses and any declarations of interests as well as imposing time limits, which would be decided by the town clerk and committee chairman.

Dr Keefe said: ÒThis opportunity to speak to the council should not be misused by people who do not fit the criteria. I think we should encourage public participation but restrict it.Ó

Dr Keefe said he was also concerned by groups who make presentations that last too long.

ÒI am not going to name them but a group addressed the council recently and made a presentation that was far too long and was not necessary. They wasted a lot of the councilÕs time.Ó

George Watkinson said: ÒI think itÕs acceptable to ask for peopleÕs names, addresses and whether they should declare any interests. Then I can make my own mind up as to whether I should be listening to them or not.Ó