Government Keeps Bristol Planning Department Under Special Measures

Bristol’s planning department stays in special measures. The government denied two requests to lift this status. They put it in place last March due to delays. A backlog of applications arose after hiring stopped.

Lately, the department has improved its work. They now decide on building permissions faster. On February 14, councillors heard an update about the department. Alex Hearn said they asked the government again. This is their third request to exit special measures.

Hearn noted significant progress occurred. He added they will see about formal removal soon. Some improvements are still possible in planning services. Many councils face issues recruiting planners. Private sector salaries are often much higher.

Special measures let developers bypass the council. They can apply directly to the government. Councillors are happy about the progress made. However, they want more regular, detailed updates. A recent report used old figures from November.

Councillor Toby Wells feels frustrated about the lack of updates. He said his committee asked for more frequent monitoring. He wants to track progress better.