We’re refreshing our planning service in response to an unprecedented workload since the pandemic.
By providing more resources and using them more efficiently we will provide a much-improved, customer-focussed service in the future.
Cllr Angela Glass, EHDC Portfolio Holder for Planning, said: “The coronavirus lockdowns put a lot of developments and renovations on hold. Now people are putting those plans into action and we’re seeing huge numbers of planning applications submitted.
“The workload has been almost overwhelming for the planning team, so we are re-shaping it and resourcing it to help them handle the extra work and to make sure our customers get the best possible experience.”
As part of EHDC's transformation work we have developed a Planning Service Improvement Plan which will bring our services and our customers together.
The team is also looking at how it communicates its decisions to the public. Planning is a complex field, where decisions are often prescribed by national or local policies.
It can often be difficult for people to understand the technical reasons behind decisions to permit or refuse certain applications, so the service will be focussed on making decisions clearer to those who are not experts in planning.