We are trialling new processes to improve the planning service

Planning Focus Day will see Tuesdays set aside for planning officers to focus solely on determining applications and clearing any backlog of applications that have built up. The aim is to speed up the process improving the experience for applicants across the district.

While planners will be unavailable for meetings or phone calls on Tuesdays, they will respond to messages within 48 hours.

Alongside this, we will, on a trial basis, publicise the majority of applications by displaying more yellow site notices rather than sending out traditional letters.

These notices, displayed for at least 21 days, will include a description of the proposed development and a QR code allowing the public to easily access relevant documents on the LDC website. They will help residents stay informed about developments in their area whilst providing more convenient ways for the public to comment and engage in the planning process.

Both trials will launch week commencing Monday 3 February, and last for a period of three months and will be subject to regular reviews.

Councillor Alex Farrell, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Local Plan said:

“Our planning team processed nearly 1,200 applications last year but we are always looking for ways to improve and I’m confident these trials will see us deliver a quicker planning service which is easier for people to engage with.

“As part of the trial, we are aiming to determine planning applications within four weeks of validation – putting our residents first in enabling developments to move forward more swiftly.”

The trials are part of our broader transformation of its planning service which includes a new Fast Track Service, a re-imagined pre-applications service and the introduction of an online Planning Enquiry Tool.

For full details please visit Improvements to our planning services.