THE Leederville laneway festival has been cancelled following a Vincent council error, leaving the promoter out of pocket and considering compensation.

Last week the council approved the event by the skin of its teeth, with a 4-4 decision coming down to the casting vote of mayor John Carey (Voice, February 14, 2015).

But this week a red-faced council realised that approval required an absolute majority, not just a simple majority.

In the days between the decision and the error being discovered, Brandon D’Silva from Rough Love events had announced the event and booked flights and accommodation for an international artist, which are non-refundable.

“It’s cost me a lot of money, so I’m going to seek legal advice,” Mr D’Silva told the Voice.

Any claim may be complicated by the fact no official planning approval was granted: Mr D’Silva made his arrangements on the informal thumbs-up of a staff member who’d simply relayed to him the results of the council meeting.

Perth city council has offered Mr D’Silva a laneway for March 28.

by DAVID BELL