Most planning applications are decided under 'delegated powers'.

Our current delegation scheme specifies that only applications that are 'called in' either by a councillor, planning officer or parish council will be dealt with at a planning committee. This scheme, introduced in 2004, ensures the public receives a fair, fast and transparent service from the department.

We are targeted to determine 80% of householder applications (extensions to properties, alterations, garages, swimming pools, walls, vehicular access, porches and satellite dishes) and non-householder applications (change of use, advertisements, etc) within a period of eight weeks.

We will also attempt to determine 60% of major applications within a period of 13 weeks and 65% of minor applications within a period of eight weeks.

The next stage in the process: Notification.