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11. The local authorities continue to have misgivings about the 80% target for all applications and highlighted the wide range of factors which can contribute to delaying a decision on a planning application; these are summarised in Annex 1. However the Government have made it clear that they have no intention of moving from this overarching target.
12. The target for householder developments (90% of applications to be determined in 2 months) is regarded as reasonable and accordingly no change is proposed. In contrast, the local authorities have strong reservations about the targets for minor business and industry and other (minor) developments which require 85% of such applications to be determined in 2 months. The authorities felt that these targets were arbitrary and could cover a wide range of applications which could raise locally significant problems over access and parking, environmental quality and amenity and, as such, are likely to generate significant levels of representation or objection. This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of delegated decision making by officials and results in applications being dealt with through Committee processes with resultant time penalties. Examples of such developments include hot food shops, bookmakers and car repair workshops. Current performance in relation to these targets is poor and very little regard appears to be paid to them. The view of the Group is that these targets should be dropped but local authorities need to be reminded of the important role small businesses can play and to give a high priority to processing applications which support the local economy.
13. The PAU first Annual Report suggested that it might be useful to introduce a target for the percentage of planning applications to be determined within 3 months. We propose 2 new targets:
14. The group discussed the introduction of performance targets in relation to major applications. (Applications which are handled by the planning department but are not applications for planning permission such as listed building/conservation area/hazardous substances consent are excluded from the definition.) Written views on this were submitted by City of Glasgow, Dundee and Perth & Kinross. These are summarised in Annex 2. Based on these contributions and discussions at working group meetings the following target is recommended for major applications -
80% of the following planning applications should be determined within 4 months:
We would also encourage authorities, on receipt of a major application, to agree a timetable for processing with the applicant. It is essential that the applicants should be clear on what they are required to do to assist the efficient handling of development proposals. A summary of the Group's views on performance targets is at Box 2.
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