Councillor Mark Healey has raised concerns over delays within Somerset Council’s planning service, warning that the current situation is damaging confidence among residents, businesses and developers across the county.
Speaking at a recent meeting of Somerset Council, Councillor Healey criticised what he described as a growing backlog in communication and planning decisions, particularly in areas facing major housing and economic growth linked to the Gravity development site.
Councillor Healey highlighted cases raised with him by residents and local businesses who say they have experienced significant delays when trying to deal with the council, including slow responses to planning applications and difficulties obtaining updates.
He warned that delays within the planning system were having wider consequences for the local economy and risking investment in Somerset.
Councillor Mark Healey said:
"I want to address the systemic failure of service that is destroying public confidence in Somerset Council.
Our residents are facing a total lack of response and urgency. When did we become an authority that tells local taxpayers to get to the back of another queue? This paralysis isn't isolated. Local land agents and developers are facing bankruptcy because our planning department is taking up to two years to process applications.
He added:
"These are the people who want to build much-needed homes and drive our local economy - yet they are being financially ruined by our inertia.
We cannot keep hiding behind the vocabulary of 'restructures' and 'legacy systems'. The public expect basic competence - they want the phones answered and they want emails returned.
He finished by asking:
"What immediate action is being taken to eradicate this communication backlog? When will this authority issue a clear public statement to the residents and developers of Somerset, outlining exactly what these delays were?
The public's patience is exhausted. It's time to stop making excuses and start delivering services."
Somerset Council confirmed a written response would be provided following the meeting.
