In an effort to understand the intricacies of what goes on at “floor” level, the cabinet member for planning and strategic development spent a day with the council’s planning department last week.

Councillor Martin Seymour learned of the “mammoth” task faced by the development management section that are responsible for processing more than 5,000 planning applications and 200 associated appeals each year.

By meeting the team, Cllr Seymour aimed to understand how applications are handled, what once they are submitted and the subsequent appeal process.

He also shadowed a review meeting, where officers review current application submissions.

The development management section must also investigate alleged breaches, where a developer or builder may fail to comply with planning regulations, of which there are around 800 per year.

Following the visit, Cllr Seymour said: “Whilst Richmond upon Thames is a relatively small borough, we receive a very high number of planning applications every year – the task to process each one is mammoth.

“The majority of applications are for house extensions, including loft conversations and commercial developments.

“Our planning officers have to process each one – looking closely at the proposals and any local or neighbour impact.

“Added to this, they have to consider all the local Planning policy that has been designed to protect the beauty and heritage of the borough – such as the new Village Plans. It is quite a task and the team work very hard to process each application as swiftly as possible

“Planning is certainly a sensitive issue in this borough.

“I am reassured by my visit that each of the officers present great local knowledge, dedication and commitment.

“The team work hard to ensure that the level of development in Richmond is balanced with the need to protect the character of our borough whilst encouraging local regeneration, additional housing and inward investment.”