THE Government has turned down a request from South East Cornwall MP Colin Breed to investigate the planning department of Caradon District Council. However, a ?health check? carried out by Caradon revealed a need for planners to improve customer service and deal with a backlog in application registrations. Mr Breed had requested an investigation after becoming increasingly concerned over the last two years at the performance of the department. He said he had received a growing number of complaints, many of which had been referred to the Local Government Ombudsman. They varied from concerns over the way planning applications had been dealt with to the way people had been treated in seeking advice and the quality of advice given. Mr Breed said: ?I am disappointed that a full and independent review has not been conducted by Central Government but pleased that Caradon responded by setting up its own enquiry. ?I very much hope that recommendations will be implemented and that the council tax payer of Caradon will see a significant improvement in the service they receive from Caradon planners.? He added that he would be following the situation closely and if there was no visible improvement in six months? time, he would take up the matter again with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Leader of Caradon District Council Hugh Francis said the Government had made it absolutely clear there was no need for an investigation. He said Local Government Minister Phil Woolas?s letter points out that Caradon had already put some service improvement measures into place and recommended that they be given sufficient time to bear fruit. Mr Francis said: ?We are always striving to improve our services and had arranged for an independent planning health check well in advance of any comments by Mr Breed on the service.? He said the health check praised staff loyalty, courtesy and commitment, including extended overtime and weekend working. Mr Francis added: ?Our caseload per officer is extremely heavy compared to other councils. ?We have seen a 50 per cent increase in planning applications over the last four years.? He said opening hours at the planning office were being restricted to deal with the backlog, planning procedures were being reviewed and more staff were being taken on. Caradon had continued to perform well in terms of winning planning decisions on appeal with 70% won last year and 85% so far this year, he said.
