Page 15 Annual Report of the Planning Audit Unit Conclusions 26. Development control is a core part of the planning service. With 44,000 planning applications decided annually, it has distinctive characteristics and pressures. Reaching decisions on many planning applications goes beyond the routine application of policy or standards.
Some proposals can raise complex policy and technical issues.
Economic, social and environmental implications of development have to be considered in an integrated way. Legal and procedural requirements have to be fulfilled. The views of consultees, interest groups, community representatives and individual members of the public have to be considered as part of a process that is demonstrably fair and transparent. The service must, however, be efficient and effective. It is evident from the 6-monthly returns that a greater proportion of planning applications is being determined within 2 months.