Maidenhead & Windsor

Maidenhead Royal Borough residents and customers are now getting such an improved service from the council's planning teams that the government has decided its time for them to "go it alone".

A letter to chief executive David Lunn not only congratulates the planning service on its "sustained improvements in performance" but also confirms that there is no more need for the Maidenhead borough to send quarterly updates on progress to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM).

In his letter John Stambollouian, the ODPM's head of planning development control division, recognises the ongoing improvement in performance of the planning service, which he describes as "very encouraging". He particularly highlights the continuing work to clear the backlog of older applications, the ongoing implementation of the DC improvement project and the raft of other measures put in place "that are beginning to produce sustained improvement".

His letter went on: "I would like to congratulate you and your staff on these achievements.

"In light of the sustained improvements in performance that your planning service is demonstrating, I am pleased to confirm that we see no further need for quarterly updates on your progress".

Maidenhead Cllr Vicky Howes, lead member for planning, said she was absolutely thrilled by this official recognition that the service is well established on its improvement path. She said: "What a wonderful Christmas present for all the staff who have worked so hard to turn around the service and make a real difference for our residents and customers!

"Over the past two years they have shown dedication and commitment and a willingness to work in partnership with councillors to bring about changes that mean a quality service for everyone. We recognise we still have a lot more to do but this letter is a strong signal that we are getting it right."

Earlier this year the Maidenhead development control service was given the thumbs up by the Audit Commission for the way it had speeded up planning application decisions. Following an intensive inspection, the commission also said the prospects for further improvements were "promising".

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead ~ 19-Dec-2005