DoE gives authorities pat on back for use of powers

LOCAL authorities have been praised for making effective use of the most recently-created legal powers to enforce planning restrictions.

The commendation comes in a Department of the Environment report based on a survey of over 100 local authorities.

Researchers found that the authorities were making good use of provisions laid down in the Planning and Compensation Act 1991.

Environment minister Sir Paul Beresford says: "Authorities are generally using the new provisions effectively.

"The wider range of available enforcement powers enables authorities better to implement whatever remedial action is most suited to each breach of planning control."