News / Worries over ‘log jam’ of planning applications
A SHORTAGE of staff is creating a “log jam” of planning applications locally, according to the chairman of Shetland Islands Council’s planning committee.
Theo Smith warned members of the policy and resources committee on Monday that the construction industry is becoming frustrated with the time it is taking to process applications.
He raised the issue as the committee gave its backing to an economic development strategy for the next four years.
Smith suggested the apparent problem with planning staff could have a knock-on effect to the economy.
“My concern is regarding what’s nearly becoming our inability to process planning applications timeously,” he said.
“We as a council have to do something about this and I think we will need to think outside of the box.”
Smith questioned if work could begin to be “farmed out” to consultants in an effort to get the “log jam” cleared.
Council leader Steven Coutts said it was a “point well made” by Smith.
North mainland councillor Alastair Cooper said it was not just a local issue, however, calling it something of a “national crisis”.
The economic development strategy aims to see 250 new private sector jobs created in Shetland by 2022.
At last week’s development committee meeting chairman Alastair Cooper expressed his disappointment that local industries did not get involved in the document’s consultation phase.
But he told the policy and resources committee that after his comments were reported in the local media, some industry representatives had been in touch to express a willingness to engage more in the future.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.