PLANNING officials in Teesdale hope the results of a survey will silence some critics.

The survey, carried out among planning applicants in the dale, has revealed that the vast majority are pleased with the service provided by their local authority.

The questionnaire was given to all planning applicants and agents during the past year, and 72 per cent responded.

At a meeting of Teesdale District Council's development control committee yesterday, members were told that more than 80 per cent of the applicants who responded said they were more than satisfied with the service provided.

Councillor Ken Robinson said he hoped the report would silence some critics.

He said: "Planning issues attract too many people who are ready to knock it. It is only a small minority, but it is a very vociferous minority and usually involves people who feel they have been knocked back in planning decisions.

"This shows we are doing a pretty good job, and should be applauded."

The survey is a Government requirement and has been carried out by all planning authorities in the country.

The results were sent to the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions in July.

Teesdale council's survey was carried out by market research consultants QCL, which analysed the performance of 14 other planning authorities in the country.

The report found that Teesdale fared better than most of the other authorities QCL surveyed, with 86 per cent of applicants saying they felt they were treated fairly by Teesdale council.

Tony Seaman, the council's director of development services, said: "It does show that our planning services perform well in relation to other areas. I think the planning staff should be congratulated."