A Teignbridge District Council meeting was temporarily halted after two councillors clashed amid claims of "ghost objectors."

The full council meeting, held at Newton Abbot racecourse to accommodate social distancing requirements, was adjourned - and a live video feed was halted - when Councillor Liam Mullone, leader of the Newton Says No group, was talking about a question he raised on planning procedures.

He claimed false “ghost objectors” to a planning application in January 2020, decided by the chairman’s casting vote, had been deliberately chosen by the council to fill up two permitted speaking spots which otherwise would have been taken up by “concerned locals or their advocates”.

Continuing his comments, Cllr Mullone then left his seat and made his way towards the front of the room. He later said this was because his microphone had been switched off. Another councillor then approached Cllr Mullone and appeared to try to pull him away.

Cllr Mullone could still be heard shouting as Phil Shears, the council’s managing director, disputed the allegations: “If [he] would like to provide the evidence that seemingly me and my colleagues have never seen or heard, then perhaps that would help, or we could adjourn the meeting, chairman.”

Following this, the chairman, Councillor Colin Parker, adjourned the meeting and the live stream was cut.

A few minutes later the stream reappeared with a statement from the authority’s solicitor Paul Woodhead, who said: “Members and all present will have just witnessed the events of a few minutes ago and heard the allegations made, and I’m sure will appreciate that no one here is in a position to comment further in respect of what was said at this time and indeed it perhaps would be inappropriate to do so in any event.”

Mr Woodhead added: “The councillor who has raised those issues is invited to meet with me and/or to provide me with the information that he has alluded to and made reference to, where upon it will be properly considered and investigated as appropriate.”

The chairman then pleaded with members: “If we can continue this meeting now with a sense of decorum and I don’t want any more further outbursts from anyone, otherwise we will have to suspend the meeting again. So, if we can continue in a sensible manner, please.”

Cllr Mullone spoke again from his seat later in the meeting.

** This article has been edited and clarified since first publication on Monday September 20.