The Head of Development Services introduced a report which outlined progress with regards to the Cabinet Review of Development Services (2009) (DSR) and the Sevenoaks District Council-Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Planning Partnership which commenced in November 2008.

It was noted that at the time the DSR was initiated Development Services performance against national indicators was in the lowest quartile, but as a result of the DSR performance had met or exceeded its target on all indicators. The most marked improvement had been against NI157(A), time taken to deal with Major Planning Applications, where over 86% were now determined within the target time. Good progress had also been made on the Local Development Framework. The Core Strategy had been adopted on 22^nd February 2011, draft documents for Allocations for Land for Development had already been out to public consultation and Development Management policies were currently undergoing public consultation. It was noted that this had been achieved whilst there had been significant year-on- year reductions in net spending on Development Services which was expected to continue and that the service was performing well in terms of value for money. In view of this progress it was felt that the DSR has achieved it’s objectives,  and that any ongoing improvements should be carried out as part of normal Development Services activity. The Cabinet was also asked to continue with the successful Planning Partnership with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

The Cabinet congratulated the Head of Development Services and his staff for the improvements in performance and reduction in costs and noted that the transformational change associated with the DSR had been delivered. Members noted that any areas for continued change would be addressed as part of ongoing Development Services activity and the process of continuous improvement. If more significant changes were required this would be undertaken by following the business process review process.

                        Resolved:

(a) That subsequent to the changes already made as a result of the Cabinet Review of Development Services (2009) no further changes are considered necessary but that ongoing improvements should be carried out as part of the normal operation of Development Services; and

(b) That the Sevenoaks District Council-Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Planning Partnership be continued until further notice