Shropshire’s switch to a unitary council has led to the planning system becoming “overloaded” with applications and people facing huge delays in getting decisions from officials.

The new Shropshire Council admits there was a “surge” in applications at the end of March and into early April. It is now the sole planning authority, but before it came into being on April 1 there were six.

North Shropshire businessman Sean O’Connor is one of those who has been caught up in the delays.

Mr O’Connor of The Firs, Higher Heath, near Whitchurch, wants to use old concrete hardstandings on his property for the storage of vehicles and materials in connection with the construction firm he runs.

He applied to the council for permission in early April but says he is still waiting for a decision.

Mr O’Connor claims he is being advised to withdraw the application, because there has not been time to consider it or face refusal.

“I have done everything I been asked to do,” said Mr O’Connor.

“All I want to do is get on with my business and give people jobs.”

Councillor Gerald Dakin, whose Whitchurch South ward covers Higher Heath, said the council had been inundated with applications.

“It has overloaded the system but every effort is being made to catch up,” he said.

A council spokesman, referring specifically to Mr O’Connor’s application, said: “The planning application was received on April 3.

“It is currently being considered by planning officers and consultation is ongoing. However, consideration of the application is taking slightly longer than initially anticipated.”

Commenting on the wider issue of delays, Nick Taylor, Shropshire Council’s assistant director strategy and development, said: “The borough and district councils and the new Shropshire Council experienced a surge in planning applications at the end of March and into early April.

“On top of moving staff into new offices and moving to a new IT system, this led to a few weeks delay in registering new planning applications,” he said.

“Whilst customers may sometimes still find that some documents are not immediately available to view on the online Public Access system, planning applications are currently taking no more than two or three weeks longer than normal and the service is working hard to eliminate this.”

By Dave Morris