Outside company called in to tackle backlog of planning applications in Portsmouth

The city council revealed it has recruited a specialist firm - Terraquest - to take on applications after issues with nitrogen pollution last year and the coronavirus pandemic this year caused them to stall.

New experienced planning officers have also been hired to lead on key projects, with extra temporary officers recruited as well.

Councillor Hugh Mason, the council's planning policy boss, explained why there had been delays. 'Most councils have seen their planning processes disrupted as a result of coronavirus,' he said.

'During lockdown the civic offices were unavailable to display applications for inspection or for staff to carry out assessments, and committee meetings had to be postponed until we could set up safe virtual alternatives.

'We are now putting new measures in place to ensure we can process applications as quickly as possible.'

Portsmouth City Council makes decisions on between 800 and 1,000 planning applications every year.

Before the pandemic hit a backlog had already built up after house building was postponed across south Hampshire last year when Natural England raised concerns about the amount of nitrates entering the Solent.

A temporary nitrate credit system was set up but a permanent solution still needs to be found.

SEE ALSO: Farm to be turned into nature reserve to offset nitrogen pollution

The council confirmed it is continuing to work alongside the Partnership for South Hampshire, which is currently trialling a system of re-wilding agricultural land to mitigate against nitrogen pollution.

Council leader, Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson added: 'It is crucial that the government provides a permanent strategic solution to the nitrates issue.

'While we appreciate the serious environmental concerns, it is imperative to the recovery of the economy that this issue is resolved and potential development in Portsmouth and the wider Solent region is not restricted.'

The amount paid to Terraquest will depend on how many applications it processes but it is estimated this will come to about £52,500.

This will come from fees paid by applicants, from the council's existing funds, and potentially from the government's Local Government Income Compensation Scheme. No extra costs will be passed on to applicants.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues.

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news and information online.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.