LibDem Concerns over Mendip's Planning Dept

Cllr Adrian Dobinson (MDC Frome Berkley

Down), Shadow Portfolio Holder for the Built Environment at Mendip District

Council, has expressed serious concerns about the state of affairs in Mendip's

planning department.

The planning department have told

councillors that they have a large backlog of applications to determine and

consequently will not be offering a duty planning officer service for a period

in September.

The backlog means that over 500 planning

applications are not being determined by the legal deadlines set down in

legislation, which has lead to an increased number of complaints. 

Cllr Dobinson said:

 'I was very concerned to hear that there

are problems in Mendip's planning department with a backlog of applications to

be decided.  This is clearly

affecting the service that Mendip is offering to its residents and is not good

enough.

 'I have some urgent questions I want answered

about how this situation has arisen and have asked for a meeting with the

service manager and department manager as soon as they return from their

respective holidays.  I have also

raised my concerns with the Chief Executive.'