Planning services in Wales are struggling to cope according to a new major report - with business groups warning they are a barrier to growth.
Adrian Crompton, the Auditor General for Wales, says planners in Wales are struggling to manage a complex system in the face of insufficient capacity and reducing resources.
He has unveiled four recommendations to help improve services.
A planning agent on Anglesey warned a backlog was developing while the FSB said planning was being highlighted by its members as a barrier to growth.
The report shows that all planning services have seen budget cuts of 50% in the last ten years, when inflation is taken into account.
With less money to fund services, planning officer capacity is stretched and skills are decreasing in key areas. Furthermore, the number of trainees entering planning has fallen in recent years, raising concerns over the long-term sustainability of services.
It stated: “The decisions taken by local planning authorities impact on us all – they can support the development of new homes, promote conservation, create job opportunities and improve local infrastructure.
"But while planners focus on individual applications, the concern of Welsh citizens is that not enough is being done to create vibrant and sustainable communities.”
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The report set out these recommendations for planners:
■ Improving how they involve stakeholders when making decisions and considering choices
■ Addressing deficits in funding and working collaboratively to increase capacity
■ Strengthening decision making
■ Creating a clearer and more ambitious vision for their local area
Planning agent Elfed Williams, from ERW Consulting on Anglesey, said: “No surprises here, we have experienced this sad decline in service and standards for several years. I have raised it with managers of local planning authorities several times and each time the same answer is increasing volume of work and a lack of resources.
“Blame is placed in Cardiff Bay, for expecting more of local authorities, for less money.
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“As we speak, a backlog of planning applications is developing.
“Without additional human and financial resources, it will not get better.”
Mike Learmond, FSB’s North Wales senior development manager, said: “Businesses want a streamlined, efficient planning, system which uses common sense and enables business growth and the development of local communities.
“Planning issues are consistently identified by FSB members as a major barrier to their development, whether its change of use, improvements to their premises, or building new developments.
“Planning authorities should ensure that economically important local applications, such as those submitted by small businesses, are expedited as quickly and efficiently as possible.”