PEOPLE in Darlington are likely to be given further help if they want to examine planning applications.

At present, it is compulsory for all planning applications received by Darlington Borough Council to be publicised.

This allows neighbours and other interested parties to give their views on proposals, and these opinions can help the council to make planning decisions.

Applications are publicised in newspapers, by posting a site notice, and sending letters to occupiers and owners of neighbouring properties.

Members of the council's planning applications committee will be told today that while procedures for publicising applications are sound, there ought to be a way for interested parties to go to the council offices and look at planning applications in document form.

Officers believe this would help if there are inquiries by the Ombudsman, concerning allegations that correct notification procedures have not been followed. Councillors will be recommended to adopt the new procedure.