A COUNCIL has won praise for its speedy handling of planning applications.
In a national survey, Middlesbrough Borough Council is shown to have decided on 85.5 per cent of applications during the past year within eight weeks, placing it tenth in the country, and top in the Tees Valley.
The council climbs from 33rd place from the previous year, when it was still quicker than average. Commissioner for the environment, Councillor Oliver Johnson, said: "The figures show that we provide a fast and efficient service.
"We do so because speedy resolution of planning applications is vital to improving the infrastructure of neighbourhoods and the economy of the town."
Among the latest customer-friendly initiatives that have been incorporated into planning matters are the publication of a Planning Code of Practice and Development Control Charter, the production of a Local Action Plan, and new customer surveys.
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