The development management team at Mid Devon has been shortlisted for the Local Authority of the Year Award, in this year’s South West Planning Excellence Awards.

The awards showcase and celebrate the best plans, people and projects in the South West and are run by the Royal Town Planning Institute.

The Mid Devon planning team are responsible for all planning applications in the district (major and minor applications) and are also heavily involved in large growth projects such as the Tiverton Eastern Urban Extension and Culm Garden Village.

Over the past few years, the team has faced a number of challenges, particularly staff changes and recruitment difficulties. However, significant efforts to recruit and retain new staff, proactive case-load management and a strong commitment to high-quality decision-making means that the team is now one of the best performing authorities in the country.

Angharad Williams, Development Manager, added:

“This team deserves this recognition, being a service that delivers on passion, creativity, inclusivity and heart. They have come so far over the last few years and are now one of the top performing Local Planning Authorities in the South West and consistently deliver on target. With health and wellbeing, a top priority, this team is a beacon of light in leading the way for the future of the planning profession.”  

Richard Marsh, Director of Place and Economy at Mid Devon, said:

“Mid Devon is now consistently at the top of the list for delivery of applications on time and for quality of service. It’s a great position to be in and demonstrates that the hard work invested in to and by the service is paying off – especially against a national backdrop of continuing difficulties for so many local planning authorities. This shortlisting is therefore a welcome acknowledgement of the hard work of our officers and the commitment of the Council as a whole in delivering high quality services.”

The winners will be announced at an event on 25 June.

Full details: RTPI | South West 2024 shortlist