04/06/2009 - Faster planning process promised
Rooting out planning delays in Wales has been promised by the country`s environment minister Jane Davidson, who says she wants a more streamlined system that will help boost the economy.
She said: "The planning system must be efficient, delivering decisions which are open, fair, consistent and transparent."
While pointing out that 85% of applications are eventually approved, Ms Davidson added: "It is essential that the system inspires public and business confidence, delivering quality development and places, particularly in the light of challenging economic circumstances."
She has pledged £1.75 million to help Wales's 25 planning authorities improve their services.
Royal Town Planning Institute Cymru boss Roisin Willmott commented: "This review is welcomed to ensure that we have a system in Wales which is able to deliver an efficient service without compromising the quality of its decisions.
"Currently there are too many minor applications washing across the desks of hard pressed Welsh planners which don't need to be there and so we would like to see the review investigate how permitted development can be extended to create a faster and, importantly, more user-friendly planning process."
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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