Dorset Council planning backlog cleared
The wait for planning validation is about to get a lot shorter
A backlog preventing timely validation of planning applications has finally been cleared by Dorset Council.
The issue has been resolved by bringing systems from the five former district councils together, and introducing more efficient processes.
Nationally the construction industry has seen a huge surge during the pandemic. The housing market has also remained buoyant.
What is Validation?
Validation is the first stage in the planning application process. It checks whether all the information required to process the application has been submitted.
If the application is considered valid then the application is placed on the planning register, allocated a planning case officer and given an application reference number. This is when the planning application is publicised, and people can make comments.
Following the consultation stage, planning officers will assess each application against Local and Neighbourhood Plans and National Planning Policy, considering any material considerations raised in submitted comments, to determine whether the planning permission should be granted or not.
Most applications are determined by officers under an arrangement called delegated powers, while more complex or controversial applications may be presented to a committee of elected councillors for a decision.
Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Planning, said:
“Clearing the validation backlog has been a huge task and well done to all concerned. But this means that a large wave of applications must go through the planning process.
“Our planning officers now have the huge task of assessing all the applications, and there will still be some delays in issuing decisions. Please bear with us while our team works hard to assess these applications and issue decisions”.
The transformation work continues, with a final phase of migration work due to be completed in the new year.