Planning application delays

We are experiencing unprecedented volumes of planning applications and requests for pre-application advice.

Like most Local Planning Authorities we are experiencing staff shortages due to a national shortage of planning personnel.

We are working hard to overcome these challenges including the introduction of new procedures to help manage workloads, including returning applications that are significantly incomplete and refusing applications where there is little prospect of overcoming concerns and achieving an approval

Due to the need to tackle the backlog as a priority, responses to emails, phone call and other queries asking for updates on progress are likely to be delayed.

There will be a particular pressure over the next two months affecting processing of both major and minor applications which should improve by December. It may take up to 20 weeks to determine your application. We appreciate this is longer than the statutory 8 or 13 weeks and we will endeavour to respond to you as soon as possible. However, you may receive a request from the Case Officer asking to extend the period of time to determine your application.

Please be assured our officers are working extremely hard to progress applications and other service demands as quickly as possible. We apologise for the delay that will be experienced in responding to pre-application advice, validating and dealing with planning submissions.