Planning Inspection by the Audit
Commission - July 2008
Planning Inspection Report
Bassetlaw District Council's planning service
is 'fair' with 'promising prospects' for improvement, according to
an independent report released today by the Audit Commission.
The report states that the Planning Service
“is helping the Council to meet its priorities, including the
establishment of new commercial and residential developments to
provide jobs for local people.”
Steve Barnett, Audit Commission senior
manager, said:
'Bassetlaw District Council is using its
planning service to help it achieve its priorities. Planning
applications are being turned around more quickly and within
government timescales. The service has strong and visible
leadership and the Council is starting to become actively involved
in influencing the development of the district.'
The Inspectors’ report highlights:
- a clear commitment from councillors and staff
to improve the planning service
- helpful staff giving constructive advice
- planning applications determined with
national timescales
- A strong performance management
framework
David Armiger, Bassetlaw District Council’s
Head of Community Prosperity welcomed the Audit Commission’s
report:
“This report demonstrates the significant
improvements that have taken place in the Planning Service in
recent years and is a clear indication that the Service is moving
in the right direction.”
While we still have some improvements to make
it is gratifying to see that the Inspectors recognise that the
Council is meeting Government targets and has good prospects for
improving the service to customers in the future.
One of the key recommendations in the report
is that the Council needs to get better at showing how it provides
value for money. The Council currently meets Government targets for
providing the Planning Service at below average cost, however we
need to engage with all sectors of the community to communicate
this, and other messages.
"This is just one of the ways we will continue to improve the
quality of service in the coming months"
Planning Services Inspection
Report by The Audit Commission - July 2008
Last Updated - 22/10/2008