Some Facts of Planning - TrustNews Sept 2003
Work in the planning department has increased significantly over the past years. This is especially the case in development control where there has been an increase in applications and appeals. Obviously this growth impacts on other sections within Development Services who are consulted on proposals and also get involved in pre-application negotiations (i.e. Conservation, Landscape, Forward Planning, Engineers, Building Control and Estates). There has also been a large growth in the number of enforcement enquiries, all of which have to be investigated. The figures show this increase
- Planning application decisions made:
- 1999/00....2153
2001/02...2583 - 2000/01....24232002/03...2915
- Planning appeals recieved:
- 1999/00....672001/02...108
- 2000/01....1432002/03...137
The Council has improved its consultation processes. We now carry out extensive neighbour notification and public speaking at Committee is well established and popular. Public awareness has increased and there has been a growth in the number of people making representations on applications and a growth in general planning inquiries. The community expectation is high. As a result there are more subcommittees and working groups.
To manage the increase in work there has been growth in the establishment and investment in the service. There is however some difficulty recruiting and retaining planners given the national shortage.
John Hearn