The following measures were introduced:
- the duty service is suspended. You can find out if you need planning permission before you start your project, at no cost, by visiting the Planning Portal where you can find a wide range of advice and guidance on the planning system in England. The key features of the Planning Portal are the use of interactive information and mini-guides for common projects.
- guidance made available regarding Tree Preservation Orders and listed buildings, information can be found on our protected trees page and listed buildings page.
- queries should be sent via our planning enquiry form
- the pre-application service will be suspended, with customers directed to alternative resources. Advice can also be sought from private planning consultants
The measures will free up officer time to allow them to concentrate on the casework that has been validated and requires a formal decision to be made.
The pressure has been caused by several factors:
- there has been a noticeable rise in the number of planning applications coming in
- as well as a backlog of cases awaiting determination where further information is needed
- we also have several vacant posts within the team and recruitment of replacement staff is proving difficult as there is a national shortage of qualified planning officers
The pre-application service may be re-introduced as we transform as North Yorkshire Council and more resource become available.