The Environment Minister has said work to improve the island’s planning service in 2024 has laid “a strong foundation for the year ahead”, after efforts to reduce application processing times were highlighted by a new report.
The final Planning Performance Statistics report for 2024, published this week by the Infrastructure and Environment Department, reflects on the department’s progress over the past year.
It also highlights a number of changes that have been introduced as part of a drive to improve the planning service – including the introduction of regular case review meetings to help determine applications faster, as well as in-person advice now available daily from duty planning and building officers at the new Government building in Union Street.
Express took a look at the data…
Key figures for 2024…
- The total number of applications determined was 1,233 – an increase of 6% when compared to the total for 2023 (1,164).
- Of the determinations in 2024, 1,043 applications were approved while 190 were refused.
- The highest approval rate was recorded in the third quarter of the year at 89%, while the lowest occurred in both the second and fourth quarters with a figure of 83%.
- On average, around 308 applications were determined each quarter.
- The percentage of applications determined within the service’s target timeframes (8 weeks for minor applications and 13 weeks for major applications) peaked at 85% in the third quarter after a low of 67% at the start of the year.
- A total of 58 appeals were determined during the year, of which 21 were upheld (13 major and 8 minor).
- A total of 665 people visited the duty officer service for both planning and building advice.
- There were 871 new housing units formally deemed complete and compliant with building standards.
Writing in the foreword of the report, Environment Minister Steve Luce said: “The performance data for 2024 reflects our ongoing commitment to timely, consistent, and reliable decision-making.
“Determination rates have remained stable, with improvements in processing times throughout the year.
“Approval rates have consistently stayed above 80%, demonstrating a steady confidence in our planning system, while appeals and reviews have reinforced the effectiveness of our approach.”
Deputy Luce cited a “significant” reduction in the number of pending planning applications among last year’s improvements.
“From February 2024 to July 2024, the backlog decreased by 28%, providing a more responsive system that delivers decisions promptly,” he continued.
“Moreover, the introduction of reforms has seen applications determined faster, with our performance reaching 85% of applications decided within target by September 2024.”
He also described the increase in determinations as “a testament to the hard work and dedication of the planning team”.
“Looking forward, the work accomplished in 2024 lays a strong foundation for the year ahead,” Deputy Luce added.
“The planning service will continue to evolve, focusing on maintaining efficiency, improving consistency, and supporting a growing housing supply to meet the diverse needs of islanders.
“By building on the insights and successes of the past year, we are poised to deliver even greater outcomes in 2025, ensuring that our planning system remains fit for the future.”