Newly released figures regarding Sussex’s 14 Local Planning Authorities show marked variations in terms of reaching decisions on time, according to research by property consultants Stiles Harold Williams.
Based on figures supplied by the Office of National Statistics for October to December 2015, most authorities score very highly in meeting predetermined timescales for major, minor and ‘other’ planning developments, with Mid-Sussex processing 94% of applications within prescribed time limits, along with fellow high-performers Wealden (89%), Chichester (89%), with Hastings and Arun on 88% across these types of application.
On paper Eastbourne scores only 54% across all decision classes, but this could well be a statistical anomaly caused by a scarcity of major developments to be considered during the period. Brighton & Hove delivered only 43% of decisions on time. If a local authority continues to perform below a 50% threshold they are at risk of government intervention and the possible removal of decision making powers.
Across the county an average 84% of planning applications were granted, just below the national figure of 86%. An overwhelming majority of major projects (81%) were green-lighted across Sussex, along with virtually the same number (82%) of house extensions, alterations and other more minor alterations.
Ian Coomber, SHW Partner and Head of Planning said: “With Local Planning Authorities understaffed and facing an upsurge in applications, it is more important than ever before to have your application professionally prepared, submitted and monitored – that makes it far easier for the authority to pass it in good time, and makes sure it has the maximum chance of being passed first time and as quickly as possible.”
Alex Bateman, SHW Associate Planner for Sussex said: “It is difficult to communicate to clients the problems being faced by Planning Departments within our region, which in turn affects the deliverability of many important projects. We hope that the figures issued this week will encourage Council’s to address the issues to reduce these delays in decisions.”
