With some of the busiest months seen for years, the Isle of Wight Council’s planning service has been recruiting temporary staff to help out.
Unusually high numbers of planning applications, enforcement and requests for work to protected trees have been coming in as the Island returns to normality after lockdown.
Busiest months
Since September 2020 the department has experienced eight out of the ten busiest months for planning applications received since January 2018.
And it hasn’t only been the number of planning applications that has gone up.
Increase in enforcement complaints
The number of planning enforcement complaints increased by 37 per cent during lockdown, and there was a 24 per cent increase in tree works applications in the year 2020-2021.
To help manage this increase, four temporary staff worked during May and June to deal with planning applications and enforcement.
Planning bosses intend to take on further temporary staff to continue this work.
As well as helping deal with the build-up of post-lockdown work, the new staff helped to keep the department on track while permanent staff took much-needed holidays over the summer following what has been a challenging 18 months.
Boulter: Quickest way to get an answer is to email
Planning manager Oliver Boulter explained,
“We always try to achieve the best possible outcomes for the Island, so we negotiate on planning applications where clear improvements can be made, which sometimes takes time.
“I know the big increase in planning applications, as well as other requests, has meant that people are having to wait longer than usual for us to get back to them.
“All the planning team, including our temporary colleagues, have been working hard to sort this out.
“If you want an update on your request or enquiry, we’ve got a dedicated email address to help you get it.
“The quickest way to get an answer is to email [email protected] and give us the reference number or location address.”
Fuller: Staff are getting through the work as quickly as they can
Cllr Paul Fuller, portfolio holder for planning and housing, said,
“I know that everyone’s application is important to them, and they want to progress it as quickly as possible.
“Please be assured that staff are getting through the work as quickly as they can, whilst they are still mainly based at home.
“I know they are providing high quality decisions and still seeking the best possible outcome for each application and enquiry – even under this extra pressure.
“We’ve put in place these new measures, but there will still sometimes be delays in responding to incoming calls, emails and letters.
“So please bear with us, and thank you for your understanding and patience”.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: Wesley Tingey under CC BY 2.0
