The following measures were introduced:
- the duty service will be restricted to cover emergency cases such as Tree Preservation Orders and listed buildings. Help and information can be found on our protected trees page and listed buildings page. Queries should be sent via our planning enquiry form
- the pre-application service will be suspended with customers directed to alternative resources. Advice can also be sought from private planning consultants
- charges will be made for informal search requests including copies of s106 agreements
The measures will free up officer time to allow them to concentrate on the casework that has been validated and requires a formal decision to be made.
The pressure has been caused by several factors:
- there has been a noticeable rise in the number of planning applications coming in
- as well as a backlog of cases awaiting determination where further information is needed
- we also have several vacant posts within the team and recruitment of replacement staff is proving difficult as there is a national shortage of qualified planning officers
After a review of the pre-application service, we intend to return to providing this service in mid-2023.
General information can be found on the following websites: