Fast-track scheme launched

COUNCIL chiefs are to set up a new planning team to fast-track major schemes.

The Priority Planning Applications (PPA) service is for projects which create more than 200 jobs, build more than 500 homes, are major or significant sites, or are capable of releasing grant aid.

Cheshire East Council leader, Councillor Michael Jones, said: “This new initiative would develop a new revenue stream for the council but, more importantly, this is about improving the delivery of key planning decisions in what is one of the busiest planning authorities in the country.

“A PPA would allow resources to be provided and targeted to deal with the most economically significant applications received by this authority – that would bring significant jobs, housing and infrastructure investment to the borough.

“It would also give greater confidence to inward investors and businesses that Cheshire East can handle major planning applications in a proactive and efficient way.”

Developers will be charged an additional fee which will cover the costs of the three planning officers who form the PPA team.