Dales planners facing review after staff troubles hit targets

At one stage the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority was facing 207 outstanding enforcement cases as it struggled with "unprecedented staffing difficulties".

The figures are in documents due to be shown to the authority's planning committee today, where members will be told that its target of completing 60 per cent of enforcement cases within 16 weeks had been missed, with just 43 per cent having been dealt with – a sharp fall from the 65 per cent achieved in 2006-07.

Last night the park's head of planning, Peter Watson, said issues with staffing had been resolved and the backlog cleared. He said the difficulties had been caused by a combination of illness and maternity leave but added that staffing was now back to optimum levels.

The whole planning service is to be given a thorough review in December.

The issue is complicated by the fact the Dales, along with the rest of the country's national parks, could see its budget slashed by as much as 35 per cent under Government cuts.

Enforcement cases are put in place when there are breaches of planning regulations. The issue is particularly sensitive in national parks as developments have to be in keeping with the area's heritage and character.

Councillor John Blackie, member champion for planning, said "we were aware of it and make no excuse for it". He added: "In December there will be a deep-seated member review in which members will look at how we can make sure we are delivering the best that we can within the envelope of affordability."