ADVICE on heritage-related planning applications in the region has been speeded up, according to a report yesterday.

English Heritage said that last year, advice was delivered 25 per cent faster than in 2003. All advice on planning and listed building consents is now delivered in 21 days, significantly faster than English Heritage's target of 28 days.

The improvements mean that councils are able to process applications for planning permission to develop historic or listed buildings faster.

English Heritage has developed a training programme for local authority planners, which will be held at Gateshead's Old Town Hall on February 22 and Witham Hall, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, on February 23.