Anglesey planning applications could be subject to delays due to coronavirus

Decisions over planning applications could be subject to delays due to the coronavirus outbreak, Anglesey Council has warned.

Yesterday, the authority was scheduled to hold an extraordinary meeting to delegate powers over planning decisions to officers until normal meetings could resume.

But after a decision to made to cancel this meeting, officers have now warned that decisions over some planning applications could face substantial delays until a return to normality is established.

In a statement the authority said, “During the current Covid-19 pandemic, the Planning Function will endeavour to continue to determine and deal with planning, enforcement, building regulation and other related applications (such as Listed Building Consent, Conservation Area consent, Tree Preservation Order consent, Hedgerow Notices) as effectively as possible.

“However, the Council has taken a decision to suspend its Planning and Orders Committee. Whilst every effort will be made to determine live applications through powers delegated to officers, new cases and those requiring a Committee decision are likely to face significant delays due to site visit, inspection and meeting restrictions.

“Whilst officers are currently working from home they can still be contacted via their normal work telephone numbers or email addresses during office hours.

“The Planning Function apologises for any inconvenience caused, however the wellbeing of our service users and staff must take priority.”

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter