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26. Development control is a core part of the planning service. With 44,000 planning applications decided annually, it has distinctive characteristics and pressures. Reaching decisions on many planning applications goes beyond the routine application of policy or standards. Some proposals can raise complex policy and technical issues. Economic, social and environmental implications of development have to be considered in an integrated way. Legal and procedural requirements have to be fulfilled. The views of consultees, interest groups, community representatives and individual members of the public have to be considered as part of a process that is demonstrably fair and transparent. The service must, however, be efficient and effective.
27. It is evident from the 6-monthly returns that a greater proportion of planning applications is being determined within 2 months. However, performance remains variable and there is scope for considerable improvement in some authorities. The Modernising Government and Best Value initiatives will ensure that Councils will continue to focus attention on service standards. Improving efficiency is an important element of the development control service and it can be readily measured. The audits have shown that other aspects of the service are also important, for example improving public access to the decision making process and raising the standard of new development. Councils cannot afford to neglect any one of these elements, which together define quality in development control.
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