Cash for planning service (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Cash for planning service

A CASH boost for planners should mean a more efficient service for people living in west Wiltshire.

The district council has been given £414,330, over £300,000 more than last year, in recognition of its improved planning service.

Cllr Christopher Newbury said: "This is excellent news for the council, as staff in our planning department have worked hard to improve our performance.

"We are now looking at how we can best use this grant to improve further."

The money has been awarded specifically for planning development and future grants will depend on how the council continues to invest in the service.

Planning minister Keith Hill said: "Planners need to be properly resourced if they are to deliver the radical reforms we have set out.

"Providing a planning service is not just about taking quick decisions, although that is important. This year's allocation criteria recognise that and reward a broad range of planning activity."