MP calls for planning shake-up
Shrewsbury's MP has called for a shake-up to Shropshire Council's planning department after learning of unacceptable delays to applications.
After touring his constituency and talking to voters, Daniel Kawczynski met with the chief executive of Shropshire Council, Clive Wright to ask if anything could be done to expedite applications.
"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.
"It has got to a stage that led me to meet with the chief executive of the council to discuss my concerns. I am expecting some change in the way the planning department works."
Mr Kawczynski said he was keen to hear from anybody who had any 'horror' stories regarding their dealings with the planning department.
"The chief executive listened to me and promised there will be changes made. I will be closely monitoring the situation. We have potential here for economic expansion."
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.
