The Head of Development Services advised that the report provided the Group with trends in finance and related performance in Development Services. It focused on Development Control and Planning Appeals as these were areas noted as needing improvement. To address concerns, a planning partnership had been entered into with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in late 2008 and there had been a Development Services Review which was agreed by Council in July 2009. Since the Review there had been a number of improvements to the Service including improvements to customer service by way of reductions in the time it took to complete planning applications as measured by National Performance Indicator NI 157.

The Head of Development Services noted that the report analysed progress in terms of NI 157 and Value for Money. The percentage of planning applications determined within 8 to 13 weeks had risen to 92% for major applications and 86% for minor. When compared to the national NI 157 figures, the Council’s Development Services were now within the top quartile. Performance against the indicator was also being achieved despite the number of applications having risen. The Council’s total net spend on Development Services had also reduced from £2,023,122 in 2008/09 to 1,675,093 in 2010/11.

The Head of Development Services noted the possible implications of the Localism Bill, in particular Neighbourhood Plans and the prospect of being able to set application fees locally. He drew Members’ attention to the steps taken to achieve improvements as outlined in the report. He also stated that overall, the Service had managed to improve performance whilst reducing expenditure.

In response to a query, the Head of Development Services explained that a major application was defined as ten or more dwellings, a minor application was one to nine dwellings and ‘other’ included extensions to properties. He felt that application fees were in proportion to the size of application and the amount of work required by Officers.

It was noted that the prospect of Neighbourhood Plans was not considered to be a significant issue for the Council, unless all parishes within the District were interested in creating one. A Member questioned whether it would be useful for the Council to set a template for Neighbourhood Plans in order to reduce the possible amount of work following implementation of the Localism Bill.

In response to a query, the Development Services Manager explained that the Validation Team had been created following the first stages of the Development Services Review in July 2007. The Team were considered to be very efficient and more cost effective than Planning Officer carrying out their own validation.

Following questions, the Head of Development Services advised that planning training for Parish and Town Council’s was undertaken annually. He felt that there were a number of factors that contributed to the improvements in Development Services including Officers receiving almost instant updates on progress against NI 157, better use of technology, the reduction in use of consultants, training, promotion and motivation of staff so that work could be undertaken in-house and the planning partnership.

The Head of Development Services informed Members that the saving in relation to Conservation had been made by training current staff to undertake work following the retirement of two full-time members of staff and assured them that this did not reduce the emphasis on the importance of the service.

Members congratulated Development Services on their achievements.

Resolved:       That the report be noted.