A BOROUGH's planning department has shot up the national performance tables since 2015.

It has also had no appeals against it decisions upheld during the period December 3 2021 to August 26 2022.

The figures were revealed at Blackburn with Darwen Planning and Highways Committee last week.

A report by planning manager Gavin Prescott revealed: "In the autumn of 2015, we were ranked 234th out of 336 local planning authorities relating to the determination of major planning applications within 13 weeks and agreed extensions of time.

"The current figures published for the quarter ending March 2022, our ranking has now rose to 87th place .

"There are 58 unitary local authorities in England. We are placed 12th out of the unitary authorities.

"With regards to the North-West authorities, we are placed 12th.

"During the same period in 2015 with regards to non-major applications we were ranked 332 out of 336 local planning authorities.

"With the current figures published for the quarter ending March 2022 our ranking has now rose to 52nd place.

"We are placed fifth out of the unitary authorities.

"With regards to the North-West authorities, we are placed eighth.

"Fourteen appeals in total were determined during the period December 3 2021 to August 26 2022. 14 appeals were dismissed, and no appeals were allowed.

"With regards to the national performance benchmarking in terms of appeals allowed against the number of applications determined, Blackburn With Darwen Borough Council are performing well.

"The latest published figures by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government show the Council in 19th place out of 336 local planning authorities."

Committee chairman Cllr Dave Smith said: "This is really good news."

Ewood ward's Cllr Jim Casey said: "This is an excellent report."