Somerset Council is taking action to tackle planning application backlog

We can confirm that Somerset Council has launched a 12-week action plan to reduce planning application backlog and improve response times for residents and developers.

From Monday 28 July, Somerset Council will launch a 12-week period of specific critical action focused on reducing this backlog which will have an impact on the level of service delivered.

Measures introduced during this 12-week period will include:

  • Asking customers, Members and applicants not to chase for updates to allow the time created to focus on decision making. Application progress can continue to be tracked online.

  • Planning officers reducing attendance at events or meetings that don’t support the objective of reducing the backlog.

  • Only accepting amendments to applications in limited circumstances.

  • Only undertaking essential site visits.

  • With a high volume of applications failing validation, applicants will only be given one chance post submission to provide the required information within 14 days. Full pre-application guidance remains available on our website and this needs to be followed.

  • Strict adherence to the call-in criteria (when applications are brought in for committee discussion) as set out in the constitution.

  • A new triage approach being introduced when applications are first received to speed up decision making.

  • Planning teams having “all in” office-based days to support the above.

A further review of progress after 12 weeks will determine the next steps or if any of these measures need to remain in place.

We will keep you updated on any future press release and how the Council progresses over the next 12 weeks.

Photo by Stuart Frisby on Unsplash