MP asks for cash to cut planning delays
An MP has asked the Government for extra cash to speed up the handling of planning applications in Shropshire.
Daniel Kawczynski, MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham asked local government minister Kit Malthouse for extra help during a debate on the need for new homes.
Last year Mr Kawczynski warned that the length of time it took to deal with planning applications was discouraging investment in Shrewsbury.
Speaking in the Commons this week, he told Mr Malthouse planning delays were becoming a real problem.
He said: "There have been some real delays in the Shropshire planning authority.
"What is the Minister doing to give Shropshire Council more resources so that it can attract more and better-qualified staff to streamline the planning process?"
Mr Malthouse said he applauded Mr Kawczynski's 'impatience' to see more new homes in his constituency.
"He recognises that the next generation of Salopians would welcome the provision of those homes as soon as possible," said Mr Malthouse.
He said the Government had already allowed local authorities to charge an extra 20 per cent for planning fees.
He added: "I have given a public commitment that if it becomes clear that resources in planning departments are a constraint, we shall be more than happy to talk to our Treasury colleagues about what more can be done."
In September Mr Kawczynski raised the matter with Shropshire Council chief executive Clive Wright.
"One of the biggest concerns I heard when I was going around was the amount of time it has taken Shropshire Council to assess and decide upon planning applications," he said.
"It is taking far too long and I believe that this is having a detrimental economical impact on Shrewsbury.
"We need a planning department that is fast and efficient and that treats people like customers and to be accessible to them. They need to respond in a timely manner.
"We need a system that will attract investors in to Shrewsbury. They are going to be put off if the planning process is complicated."
Most applications dealt with by Shropshire Council's planning department typically take six to eight weeks to be determined. However, major applications carry a longer determination period of up to 13 weeks.
