Attempts to speed up slow planning applications have enraged Castle Point residents and councillors, it emerged today.

Now the misunderstandings are to be ironed out during a special planning meeting tomorrow which will also thrash out details of the local plan.

Tony Hurd, lead member for planning, said: "Members seem to be getting quite heated about this.

"Under our modernisation programme, 90 per cent of all planning applications should be dealt with by the officers under delegated powers - as requested by the Government.

"The planning committee used to deal with everything, but now there are only three or four items listed on the agenda at planning meetings for recommendation. The idea is to streamline the planning process, so Joe Bloggs hasn't got to wait such a long time for planning permission for his extension - and big developers are also not having to wait so long for a decision."

Published Monday, January 27, 2003

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