Backlog Of Planning Applications Doubles At GBC

Published on: 26 Apr, 2021
Updated on: 29 Apr, 2021

By Hugh Coakley

Planning applications at GBC have doubled, a backlog caused by lack of staff and a surge of household or minor applications, said Ian Doyle, director of service delivery.

“We have 650,” he added. “We normally have between 300 and 360 outstanding. New staff members will soon be joining us.”

He denied the Local Plan was involved in the applications increase.

“We have been told by planning agents that this is the case with many other local authorities across the country.

“We are continuing to run a fully operational service except for pre-application advice. Due to the amount of pre-applications, we can process existing applications only for the next three months. We will then review the situation.”

The council’s website states that the pre-application advice service helps to “avoid the cost of a planning application if your proposal is likely to be unsuccessful”, “ensures a better-quality application submission, with better outcomes and ultimately a better-built development” and “reduces the time your professional advisors have to spend on your planning proposal”.

The Dragon has sought comments from the Conservatives, Guildford Greenbelt Group and Labour but has had no response at the time of publication.