Planning minister Lord Falconer said he is “very concerned” that some local authorities are “failing their customers” over planning.
His comments follow the publication on Friday of the Planning Performance Checklist, which shows that the number of authorities meeting the government’s target has actually dropped in the last quarter. Planning authorities are supposed to deal with 80% of applications within eight weeks.
The figures show that the national average for dealing with applications was still only 63%, despite best value guidance from central government and the threat of sanctions for poor performing authorities.
Falconer said: “I have already met some of the worst performing authorities to talk about ways in which they can improve. Today’s figures show that Sevenoaks, Kent is unlikely to meet the targets that we have set them despite showing promise earlier in the year. I hope to meet them soon to discuss problems and possible solutions.”
The government said it will focus its efforts on improving the 31 planning authorities which decided fewer than 50% of applications within 8 weeks.
EGi News 17/12/01
