INSPECTORS have given a council's planning department a glowing report.
Darlington Borough Council has come under the keen eye of inspectors from the Audit Commission's Best Value team.
Government assessors looked at how the council's development control department is run, and awarded it an impressive two stars.
The report, released yesterday, noted the council's attention to detail, its openness and its consistency. It was applauded for ensuring public consultation on planning issues, and the report said 83 per cent of those consulted were happy with the service.
There were areas inspectors felt could be improved, such as involving parish councils in decision making.
The department has seven full-time staff, has a budget of £503,000 and receives up to 800 applications a year
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