A COUNCIL'S planning department has received a record grant from the Government.

Richmondshire District Council's planning service unit has received a planning delivery grant of £400,000, much more than the £278,000 officers expected.

The amount of money awarded is dependent on the success of improvements introduced to the service in previous years.

"We appreciate the continued high performance of all of our planning and policy staff in progressing our local development framework and in efficiently dealing with planning applications," said council leader Councillor John Blackie.

"This Government grant will help us to continue these improvements into the future and hopefully secure further assistance in this vitally important service."

The resources committee has agreed the extra £122,000 should be reinvested in the service, specifically in IT, to assist residents to access planning services on-line.