Fees for planning applications were increased in December, so are now applying to all applications made to Councils. See here for the updated rates.

Application numbers in August 2022 were 5% lower than in August 2021. The cummulative fall from January 2022 is a 14% drop.

Staffing shortages and the increase in work lead to some Councils needing private consultancy work to help with planning applications, appeals and enforcement matters, including Carmarthenshire Council. National numbers suggest applications recently peaked, so this may be a trend that doesn't continue

The Government is announcing changes to the planning system that will see the right for local communities to decide and vote for developments in their area, including extensions. But for now, no such system: if you want help in appealing against a refusal or objecting to development, our books can help.

We all remember the fame of Jackie Weaver with the Handforth Parish Council online planning meeting during lockdown. Online meetings became normal and have increased participation, but will they continue? Some Councils are removing them, others keen to carry on: but as this article shows, it comes at a cost to provide the technology.