'Deeper capacity' needed in planning staff, says industry regulator

In its annual report, the regulator also found that the number of complaints about the planning system increased in the last year to 119, up from 54 in 2019. File Picture: Niall Carson/PA

The number of staff working in planning offices needs to be dramatically increased to meet rising demands on local authorities, the industry regulator has said.

Niall Cussen said staff are fully stretched and often have to work late to meet tight planning deadlines.