A DAMNING report into town planning has exposed Watford Council as one of the worst performers in the country.

The council was ranked 223rd out of 293 authorities, in a report based on the percentage of planning applications decided on within eight weeks, released last week.

However, since the survey compiled during 12 months ending in March this year the council has adopted a new structure, delegating more planning power to council officers.

The development control committee recorded a huge increase in productivity this year, jumping from 24 per cent of all plans processed within eight weeks in February to 66 per cent in May.

Likewise, 41 per cent of household plans were dealt with in the set timeframe in February, and 76 per cent were in May.

July 5, 2002 13:30