Blaby District Council has been commended under the category of Local Planning Authority of the Year.
The certificate was presented at the Royal Town Planning Institute East Midlands awards on Thursday 26 February.
The commendation was awarded in recognition of the excellent service provided by the Council, and in particular efforts over the last twelve months to improve performance against Government Targets.
Blaby was the only local planning authority to be placed into “special measures” in 2013. It worked hard to change that and in November 2014 it was removed from designation after increasing the number of planning applications determined within the target timescales, from 18% to nearly 90%.
Other achievements noted in the presentation of the commendation include an adopted local plan, a robust housing land supply, and a brand new community about to get underway at Lubbesthorpe.
Cllr Ernie White
Councillor Ernie White, Leader of the Council, said:
“I am delighted with this recognition. I have made no secret of the fact that I didn’t believe we should have been put into special measures as we have always put the needs of our customers and communities before imposed targets.
“This just goes to show though what a fantastic planning team we have, in that even when faced with additional pressure they can more than rise to the challenge.
“Looking forward the Council will focus on delivery of the new Lubbesthorpe community, and a range of other exciting projects including a potential expansion to Fosse Park and the creation of new jobs via a number of commercial developments.”
For more information visit www.blaby.gov.uk, email planning@blaby.gov.uk or call 0116 272 7501.
