New service 'may speed up planning process'

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has been chosen to manage a new service aimed at streamlining the planning process.

It is hoped that the move will enable more housing developments to be created, with the Expert Appointments in Planning Service providing specialists to give advice.

Martin Burns, director of RICS Dispute Resolution Services - which will manage the scheme - described it as a "great way" to begin the year.

He noted that it will increase the capability of the Planning Inspectorate in England and Wales, adding: "This service will be a welcome benefit to the planning system by adding a valuable resource which will assist in speeding up the planning process."

Last week housing minister Margaret Beckett told the Times that more homes would need to be built during the recession, in order to ensure supply can meet demand when it eventually returns to the market.