Council 'disappointed' over planning sanction

A second council in Worcestershire has vowed to fight a government sanction on planning, which it has described as "disappointing".

Planning decisions ordinarily made by Malvern Hills District Council could now by made at national level by the Planning Inspectorate.

It comes after 12% of major planning applications refused by the authority between 2023 and 2025 were later appealed.

The authority accepted this was "slightly above" the accepted limit of 10%, but Councillor David Harrison argued "historic data" was used to make the decision and did "not reflect the significant improvements made" by the planning service in recent years.

Malvern Hills District Council is one of nine local authorities across the country to have had their planning powers stripped, including Wychavon District Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

The government sanction means major applications that have already submitted will continue to be decided by the councils, as will applications for smaller developments and from householders.

The sanction remains in place until government officials are satisfied that the situation has improved.

Harrison, portfolio holder for Planning and Flooding, added: "While we support accountability, it is disappointing that historic data has been used from as long ago as 2023 to reach a decision that does not represent current performance.

"We will be considering all available options to challenge the designation and demonstrate the progress that has been made."

A spokesperson for the government said: "A minority of councils have repeatedly failed to take the decisions needed to build the homes their communities are crying out for.

"Our message is clear: if you drag your feet to get on with the job, we will take away your right to make those decisions.

"Where councils aren't delivering, ministers will - because getting Britain building faster is non-negotiable."

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