COUNCIL planning officers could be given extra staff to tackle an increased workload and improve performance.
Wear Valley District Council meets on Thursday to discuss proposals for re-staffing its regeneration department where activity and staff turnover have increased.
Trevor Roberts Associates was commissioned to report on existing processes and procedures in the development control section and reported that there were signs of under-resourcing.
Demands on the service have increased more than 70 per cent between 2000 and last year.
In 2000, 607 planning applications were received and it is estimated that by the end of this year, 1,120 applications will have been logged.
Services have been placed under further strain by resignations and the retirements of key members of staff.
The consultants have recommended that various senior staff be employed.
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