The Planning Inspectorate has met around two thirds of its targets in the year 2006/07, according to annual accounts laid before the House of Commons this morning.
Publishing the report, housing minister Yvette Cooper said the government had decided to retain the Inspectorate’s targets at the same level for the coming year.
Cooper particularly highlighted the Inspectorate’s success in meeting its target of issuing 80% of decisions within 10 weeks of the close of hearings.
The Inspectorate issued over 3,200 decisions following a hearing, compared to 2,000 in the previous year.
Over 940 decisions were issued following inquiries, compared to 787 in the previous year.
Cooper said: “The Planning Inspectorate has a vital role to play in delivering the government’s reforms of the planning system.
“I am pleased that even though the Inspectorate’s workload has risen by nearly 50% over 5 years, it has halved the time that it takes to hold hearings and inquiries.
“Despite the pressures on the system, the Inspectorate has continued to deliver a high quality service, and I commend everyone in the Inspectorate for this achievement.”
The Inspectorate’s Annual report, together with full details of the Inspectorate’s work can be found on its web-site: http://www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk/
