DROITWICH Spa planners have received a pat on the back for improving standards in their department.

Town Tory MP Peter Luff welcomed a parliamentary answer on the performance of Wychavon District Council's planning department.

Last week, Mr Luff asked the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what recent assessment had been made on council's efficiency.

Planning minister Sally Keeble said: "We monitor all authorities' performance in handling planning applications on a quarterly basis.

"Recent figures show Wychavon made a decision on 69 per cent of applications in eight weeks during April -- June 2001, compared with 35 per cent, in the equivalent period Last year."

The authority must decide on 65 per cent of applications within two months to meet Government standards.

Mid-Worcestershire representative Mr Luff said the figures show a remarkable turnaround.

He added: "Planning is always controversial.

"But what is not controversial is that these matters should be decided quickly."

This year, Wychavon has handled many controversial applications including blueprints for a hotel and McDonalds at Wychbold, plans to build a new housing estate on Kidderminster Road and proposals for a Waitrose supermarket off the Saltway.

Wychavon's planning chief Jack Hegarty said: "We have made dramatic improvements in the way we deliver planning services.

"We are one of the most improved planning authorities in the country.

"The Government is setting tough standards for councils but we are committed to providing a first class service."

DROITWICH Spa planners have received a pat on the back for improving standards in their department.

Town Tory MP Peter Luff welcomed a parliamentary answer on the performance of Wychavon District Council's planning department.

Last week, Mr Luff asked the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what recent assessment had been made on council's efficiency.

Planning minister Sally Keeble said: "We monitor all authorities' performance in handling planning applications on a quarterly basis.

"Recent figures show Wychavon made a decision on 69 per cent of applications in eight weeks during April -- June 2001, compared with 35 per cent, in the equivalent period Last year."

The authority must decide on 65 per cent of applications within two months to meet Government standards.

Mid-Worcestershire representative Mr Luff said the figures show a remarkable turnaround.

He added: "Planning is always controversial.

"But what is not controversial is that these matters should be decided quickly."

This year, Wychavon has handled many controversial applications including blueprints for a hotel and McDonalds at Wychbold, plans to build a new housing estate on Kidderminster Road and proposals for a Waitrose supermarket off the Saltway.

Wychavon's planning chief Jack Hegarty said: "We have made dramatic improvements in the way we deliver planning services.

"We are one of the most improved planning authorities in the country.

"The Government is setting tough standards for councils but we are committed to providing a first class service."