LYMM South Independent ward councillor Graham Gowland has spoken out about the level of online comment directed at him and his family over the last few days, following his posts about planning applications in the village.
Cllr Gowland, who sits as an Independent after leaving the Liberal Democrats, said he fully accepts scrutiny, challenge and robust disagreement as part of the job.
What he says has crossed a line is sustained, personal comment — including accusations about his motives, his integrity, and his right to hold office — posted across multiple threads, and comments directed at his family.
“I’m happy to be challenged on planning, on the Local Plan, on any decision I make. That’s the job,” said Cllr Gowland. “What isn’t fair is when it becomes personal, when it follows me from post to post, and when my wife starts getting dragged into it too.”
“I’m not a councillor for power or popularity. I do it because I care about Lymm. But I’m also a resident, a husband, and a person. I generally assume people don’t like me and I’m surprised when they do — that’s just how I’m wired. It doesn’t mean personal attacks don’t land.”
Cllr Gowland said the recent discussion began with a factual post about planning application 2026/01441/FUL — a retrospective application for a commercial dog exercise park on land north of Sutch Lane, off Pepper Street — and about the wider Local Plan, under which 944 houses could be built in Lymm.
He said he set out planning grounds for objection because the Council can only consider material planning considerations, and because new rules mean ward councillors can no longer “call in” most developments in the way they used to.
“The point of my posts is to give people the mechanism — the link, the portal, the consultation — where their voice counts,” he said. “You don’t have to agree with me to use it. If you support a development, you can say so on the same portal.”
“What I won’t do is stop flagging greenbelt applications because it attracts abuse. If I did that, residents would lose information they’re entitled to.”
Cllr Gowland also clarified the position on blocking and the community Facebook group he helps administer: He has not blocked or suspended anyone from the community group for weeks, and certainly not over this application. He does block people from his personal profile when he feels discussion has stopped being constructive, but the group, his councillor page, and the planning portal remain open for comment.
He also confirmed he intends to seek a fresh mandate from residents at the next election as an Independent, so voters can decide whether they support that change.
“Disagree with me politely, challenge me, vote against me — that’s democracy,” he said. “But please don’t harass councillors, their families, or other residents for doing their job. If we make it intolerable to be a local councillor, fewer good people will stand, and Lymm will be worse for it.”
