Statement from the Peak District National Park Authority on planning performance designation

Following confirmation from the Minister for Housing & Planning that the Authority’s planning service is no longer at risk of designation, chief executive Phil Mulligan said:

“We warmly welcome the Minister’s recognition of the hard work undertaken across more than a year to achieve figures for our planning responses that have now routinely exceeded the thresholds expected by government. Indeed, our most recent reporting quarter saw us reach an 85% response rate against the 70% requirement.

“The Authority has previously acknowledged that our own high standards were not met during an incredibly tough period of delivery during 2021 and into 2022, however in the last quarter, for example, we have approved well over 80% of submitted applications.

“In directly addressing the issues formerly raised by the Minister and Secretary of State over the last 12 months, we have already agreed a 25% increase in funding capacity for our planning team and continue to recruit, retain and develop the highly specialist skills required to support customers in this vital area of our work.

“I would especially like to thank those colleagues who have worked tirelessly, often in challenging circumstances, to maintain the level of service that we aspire to as an Authority and in particular, have helped us achieve the latest high-performing figures.”