Hyndburn Borough Council Secures £100,000 Planning Grant to Boost Performance and Skills
Hyndburn Borough Council has received a welcome boost to its planning department with a £100,000 Planning Skills Delivery Grant from the Government. Announced in December 2023, the grant comes as a timely investment in addressing past challenges and enhancing future efficiency.
“We’re delighted to receive this grant,” said Councillor Peter Britcliffe, Acting Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council. “The additional funding will directly address the backlog of planning applications that arose from recruitment difficulties and IT issues in 2022/23. This is fantastic news for residents and businesses seeking planning approvals, and it demonstrates the Government’s recognition of our commitment to improving planning services within the borough.”
The grant comprises two key elements: £80,000 will be used to directly tackle the backlog by funding an additional planning officer. This dedicated resource will expedite case processing, reducing wait times and streamline the application process. The remaining £20,000 will be invested in upskilling existing planning staff, ensuring they have the latest knowledge and tools to handle complex applications efficiently.
“We take our responsibility to deliver responsive and efficient planning services seriously,” continued Councillor Britcliffe. “This grant not only acknowledges the difficulties that have been experienced but allows us to clear the current backlog and invest in our dedicated team, ensuring they’re equipped to handle future applications with ease and expertise. This is a win-win for everyone – residents get their decisions faster, and businesses can confidently invest in development projects within the Borough.”
The Council has already taken proactive steps to address past challenges. These include streamlining internal processes, investing in staff training, and implementing new IT systems. The additional resources provided by the Planning Skills Delivery Grant will further accelerate these efforts, solidifying Hyndburn Borough Council’s commitment to delivering superior planning services for residents and businesses alike.