Planning applications continue

At last week’s virtual council meeting, Councillor Darryn Causby asked about the current state of the planning department.

“It is my understanding that planners are working from home but is that only on existing case loads and are we looking at a way of getting some of our planners into the office so they can access the portal,” asked Councillor Causby.

Council’s Strategic Director of Position, Sharon O’Gorman addressed Cllr Causby’s queries.

“With regards to planning, yes the planning team is working on the current case load and validating new applications,” said Ms O’Gorman.

“Staff are working remotely. However, if safe to do so, and in small numbers, staff are returning to the office on rota. There is also remote access to the portal for a small number of officers as well.”

It was also made clear that the planning department had invested in IT equipment to ensure that those who are able to work remotely could do so.

Independent Councillor Paul Berry, raised concerns about the potential for some to use these uncertain times as a way to avoid enforcement issues.

“I do appreciate the times we are operating in but there are those who could use this time to avoid those actions [enforcement control],” said Cllr Berry.

However, Ms O’Gorman sought to allay his concerns by confirming that the enforcement team are still working.

“The enforcement team are working remotely and that is the position at present,” said the Council’s Strategic Director of Position.

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