Local authority planning departments in the UK follow specific standards of service to ensure efficient and effective planning processes. Key aspects include:
1. Decision timelines
- Minor applications (e.g. most householder cases): decided within 8 weeks.
- Major developments: decided within 13 weeks.
2. Performance criteria
Planning departments are measured on the speed and quality of their decision-making for both major and non-major developments.
3. Community involvement
Engagement with local communities in the planning process is encouraged, including:
- consulting on Local Plans
- considering feedback on planning applications.
4. Sustainable development
Planning departments aim to ensure that development is sustainable by balancing:
- economic growth
- environmental protection
- community needs
5. Transparency and accountability
Planning processes must be transparent, with clear information about decisions and procedures.
