Planning process improved

Planning applications to North Lanarkshire Council are being processed faster than in previous years and well under Scottish average times, according to new figures.

Major development applications in 2017-2018 were decided in an average time of 14.9 weeks – more than three months faster than the previous year and less than half the national average of 33.6 weeks.

Ho u s e h o l d e r and local applications were respectively processed in similarly reduced times of 6.3 and 7.8 weeks last year, compared to Scotland-wide statistics of 6.3 and 10.7 weeks.

Planning convener Councillor Harry Curran praised the “excellent performance” and said: “Importantly, this highlights our ability to support new development opportunities.

“We’re actively working to bring new homes, facilities, business and jobs to the area to continually boost the local economy and make North Lanarkshire the place to live, work and invest.

“Our planning service is supporting that ambition, meeting the demand from developers for attractive, sustainable sites that meet the needs of residents and businesses.”

The Scottish Government planning performance report also commended North Lanarkshire’s pre-application advice service in advance of developers submitting major applications.