05 July 2009Sevenoaks District Council’s planning service has been awarded £254,743 by Central Government as part of a performance related grant and for having amongst the best on-line planning facilities in the country.
Of the total, £111,003 is a reward specifically for the planning service’s performance. This is inclusive of a £50,000 bonus for meeting all three development control Best Value 109 indicators which are associated with deciding planning applications within nationally set deadlines.
A further £34,378 is included for achievements in e-planning. According to a recent independent review of all local authority websites, Sevenoaks District Council has amongst the best on-line planning facilities available in the country. As part of the ‘Pendleton’ review, councils will receive a cash reward reflecting the level of on-line planning facilities available on their website. Sevenoaks District Council was awarded £34,378, the highest grant in Kent. Nationally only two other councils were awarded more money.
A further £33,276 will be allocated towards the development of the Local Development Framework and sustainable development indicators and finally £76,086 is for high housing demand.
Cllr Gary Williamson, the Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for planning, says: "This grant recognises the hard work and dedication of the Council to meet its core planning targets. It also recognises that we have some of the best on-line planning facilities anywhere in the country. We will use this funding to further enhance our service to the public."
The Council was informed of the grant on Tuesday 24 July 2007.
