Midhurst councillor '˜does not see point of planning department'

Independent Gordon McAra suggested that scrapping the department, which deals with mineral and waste applications as well as transport planning, could be a good way to make savings as it looks to plug a £153m deficit over the next four years.

He suggested other authorities could deal with planning applications, and said to ignore the suggestion and move on ‘would be mistake’.

Speaking at Performance and Finance Select Committee meeting last Thursday, he said: “I do not see the point of having a planning department.”

Jeremy Hunt (Con, Chichester North), cabinet member for finance, said: “It’s an interesting point and it will be one those particular areas that could show some good savings.”

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