PLANNING chiefs are rolling out two trials in a bid to improve services.
Lichfield District council said the initiatives were part of an “ongoing commitment” to improvement for residents, businesses and developers.
It will see one day a week set aside each week solely for planning officers to make decisions on applications, while the local authority will use yellow site notices rather than sending out traditional notices in a bid to keep more locals informed of schemes in their area.
The trials will roll out from Monday (3rd February) and last for three months.
Cllr Alex Farrell, Lichfield District Council’s cabinet member for housing and the Local Plan said:
“Our planning team processed nearly 1,200 applications last year, but we are always looking for ways to improve. I’m confident these trials will see us deliver a quicker planning service which is easier for people to engage with.
“As part of the trial, we are aiming to determine planning applications within four weeks of validation – putting our residents first in enabling developments to move forward more swiftly.”
The trials are part of Lichfield District Council’s broader transformation of its planning service which includes a new fast-track service, a revamped pre-applications service and the introduction of an online planning enquiry tool.
It will see one day a week set aside each week solely for planning officers to make decisions…..
One has to ask, why weren’t they already doing this? Such inefficiency is all too prevalent and why Cllrs. allowed the present situation to go on for so long. Lets hope that now they’ve seen the light of day it proves fruitful for all concerned.