Attwood launches new planning complaints procedure

A new streamlined planning complaints procedure was launched today by Environment Minister Alex Attwood.
~ Monday, 9 January 2012

The procedure, designed to make the process of complaining easier and more user friendly, is now operational.

The main change is to reduce the number of steps from three to two.

Alex Attwood said: “Planning is complex. The easier we make it for the public to navigate, the better. The winding up of the Planning Service and the integration of planning into the Department of Environment has provided an excellent opportunity to introduce a more customer-focused and streamlined complaints procedure.

“I am glad to say that most planning related complaints can be dealt with in an informal way over the telephone and it is possible to resolve many issues by this method. The new procedure I am introducing is intended to manage more formal complaints which would normally be made in writing to the relevant Planning Officer.

“The main change is to reduce the number of steps from three to two, the first stage handled by the appropriate Area Planning Manager and the second at Director level; this will short-circuit the process and lead to speedier resolutions.

“Any complainant who still remains dissatisfied can ask an MLA to take the complaint to the Assembly Ombudsman.”

Notes to editors:

1. A leaflet explaining the new procedure is available to download from 10:00 from the Planning section of the DOE website. Printed copies will be available shortly from Local Area Planning Offices.

2. For media queries please contact DOE Press Office 028 9025 6058. Out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.